The holiday season is synonymous with joy, celebration, and indulgence. As we gather with loved ones to savor festive delights, it's essential to strike a balance between merriment and maintaining good oral health. In this blog post, we explore the importance of looking after your teeth, smile, and overall health during the holidays, all while remembering that dental care may not be readily available with clinics closing for the break.
The Festive Feast
Indulgence and Celebration. The holiday season often brings a banquet of tempting treats, from gingerbread cookies to rich holiday roasts and ending your meal with a good ‘ol pav. In my household, we often do breakfast with the grandparents, lunch with my family and then dinner with the in-laws. Though I am so thankful to be surrounded by family, joy and a good meal as we indulge in these delights, I do notice that by the end of the night, my teeth start feeling a little fuzzy.
Sweet treats are abundant during the holidays, and excessive sugar intake can contribute to tooth decay. Moderation is key, and consider opting for sugar-free alternatives when possible. Even the summer fruits that are available contain quite a bit of sugar.
Hot tip! Try to drink lots of water in between meals, especially when snacking.
Just keep brushing, brushing, brushing…
Amidst the festive chaos, don't neglect your dental care routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily remain fundamental in preventing plaque buildup and maintaining a healthy smile.
Plan for the break
If you’ve been holding out on removing your impacted wisdom teeth or finishing your root canal or even replacing those little fillings your dentist told you about 6 months ago, don’t wait for the holiday season to revisit this. Plan ahead, get it done now to prevent any issues from arising during the peak season where your dentist is either fully booked or closed. Don’t let any underlying issues brew and escalate into a larger too-late-to-save problem.
Consider scheduling a pre-holiday dental checkup to address any potential concerns before the festivities begin. Additionally, be aware of your oral health routine during the break, as postponing care may lead to complications.
Santa visits dentists too
It's important to note that dental clinics may close or operate with limited hours during the holiday season. Clinics that are open are often booked out for all the emergency treatments that people hurry to book. This means that scheduling routine check-ups or addressing urgent dental issues might require planning.
Enjoying the holiday season doesn't mean sacrificing your oral health. While we hope for seamless celebrations, accidents do happen, especially during unplanned or inconvenient times. Know where to turn in case of a dental emergency, whether it's locating a clinic closest to you or having essential contact information readily available. A proactive approach and sensible choices can help you celebrate with confidence and preserve your radiant smile into the New Year.
Remember, a happy, healthy smile is the best accessory for every celebration.
Written By
Intan Nobury
An appreciator of art, novels and high intensity sports. With a passion for work and a dangerous addiction to tea.
