During the holiday season, your teeth can take a real beating. The increased consumption of sweets and alcohol and heightened stress levels all result in decreased oral health. 

So, how do you avoid tooth damage while still treating yourself to the occasional cookie or cup of eggnog? The experts at Oral Surgery Associates in Anchorage, AK, are here with great tips you can use to keep your smile healthy during the holidays.

• Don’t Swish Your Wine: The acid red and white wine contains can damage your tooth enamel, resulting in decay and cavities. But this doesn’t mean you have to skip that glass of wine by the fire: just avoid swishing it around in your mouth, and if you’re having multiple glasses, make sure you drink water in between to wash the acid off your teeth.
• Brush & Floss After Sugary Treats: Gingerbread cookies and candy canes taste delicious, but they also increase your chances of developing harmful cavities. It’s important that you brush and floss after eating anything sugary, but if you can’t, be sure to have at least one glass of water and to chew sugarless gum to get the saliva flowing in your mouth and to wash away the bacteria left behind.
• Make An Appointment With Your Dentist: Heightened holiday anxiety can find people grinding or clenching their teeth, which can lead to jaw pain and headaches. Not only should you definitely find a way to manage your stress, but it’s also important that you make an appointment with your dentist. He or she can check for damage and help you find a solution to protect your teeth, like a custom night guard.

Oral Surgery Associates' team of highly trained oral surgeons specializes in performing a wide variety of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implant installation, and bone grafts. Their support isn’t just limited to the dental office, either: they’re on the staff at Alaska Regional and Providence Hospitals and offer emergency room coverage for facial injuries.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of a great smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Oral Surgery Associates, visit their website or call (907) 561-1430 today.