Avoiding Dental Emergencies During the Holidays

Holidays bring many things we love – spending time with loved ones, sweet treats, and (hopefully!) some time off from work. However, the holidays are also responsible for some less positive things. Believe it or not, overindulgence and recklessness during the holidays causes a spike in dental emergencies.

At Parkside Family Dental, we want our patients to be able to focus on the great things about the holidays, instead of emergencies, dental or otherwise. We asked Dr. Netty-Marbell what families can do to ensure they’re not making any unexpected visits to the dentist during the holidays, and he gave us the five following tips.

1. Moderation Is Key

It’s fine to enjoy a piece or two of your favorite candy, but don’t go overboard! If you’re going to indulge in sweet treats, do so right after your meal. That way, the increased saliva production from your meal can balance out the bacteria production that results from high levels of sugar consumption to help you avoid cavities.

2. Keep an Eye Out for Sticky Foods

Sticky foods stay on your teeth longer than other foods, giving cavity-causing bacteria more time to work. If you do choose to have a sticky snack, brush your teeth afterward.

3. Watch the Alcohol

If you’re going to drink, drink in moderation and be sure you’re drinking water regularly.

4. Limit Hard Candy

Apart from causing cavities, hard candy is often the culprit when our patients crack or chip their teeth. Those colorful candies seem innocuous, but they can cause major damage to your teeth! If you can’t avoid hard candies completely, at least try not to bite down on them.

5. Go Easy on the Starches

Many folks believe that sugar is the only thing that causes cavities. However, those acid-producing bacteria that cause cavities love feeding on starches just as much as they do sugar. Much like with foods high in sugar, moderation will reduce the likelihood of cavities.

Hopefully, these tips will help keep your and your family’s teeth healthy during the busy holiday season. Additionally, be sure to continue your regular dental care regimen: brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and getting regular exams and cleanings at our office. To schedule your next appointment or to ask any other questions about caring for your teeth during the holidays, contact Parkside Family Dental today!