The holidays are full of fun and heartwarming activities, but they can also cause tooth and jaw issues that’ll have you running to your dentist if you aren’t careful. Between your favorite treats and celebrations, you may not think twice about indulging in old habits, but for the sake of your smile, you should think before you act. To avoid spending your holiday in the dentist’s chair, keep these helpful tips in mind.

Holiday Dental Care Tips

1. Limit Holiday Sweets

Between the cookies, cakes, and candies, the holiday season is rife with tantalizing treats. Unfortunately, many of these goodies are high in sugar content, which means they contribute to tooth decay. As you indulge your sweet tooth this holiday, do so sparingly. Limit your treat intake to one or two per party, and always drink water afterward to rinse sugar and bacteria off your teeth.

2. If You’re Stressed, Decompress

It’s no secret that the holidays can be hectic; however, it’s important to find ways to decompress. Stress can make you clench your jaw or grind your teeth while you’re sleeping, potentially leading to chips or cracks. This tension can also cause nasty headaches and toothaches, both of which are not very jolly. Whether you choose to fit in a quick jog or relax by the fire with a cup of tea and a book, take care of your stress to limit jaw issues.

3. Don’t Use Your Teeth to Open Gifts or Crack Nuts

Getting gifts is exciting, but using your teeth to tear into presents can quickly interrupt the festivities with a trip to the dentist. No matter how thrilled you are about a gift, never bite into plastic packaging. Similarly, don’t use your teeth in place of a nutcracker. The hard shells can crack or chip teeth. If you or someone you love enjoy munching on nuts during the holidays, consider purchasing a unique nutcracker that you will want to use.

4. Give the Gift of Great Dental Hygiene

If you’ve been trying to think of a present for the last person on your list and are stumped, consider giving one of the best gifts of all: dental hygiene. Either an electric toothbrush or a water flosser is a fantastic present that will get tons of use and can help the recipient kick off 2019 with a bright smile. Your dentist can help you pick out the perfect dental gift.

If you’re looking to brighten your holiday season, Keen Dental Care in Columbia, MO, will help. From routine checkups to specialized treatments such as cosmetic and orthodontic care, the dentists make each patient feel as comfortable as possible while providing exceptional care. Visit the website for a full list of services, and call (573) 875-5336 to schedule an appointment.