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The holidays often come with their fair share of stress. Travel plans, family gatherings, finances, cooking and baking, shopping - it can all add up, leading to feelings of anxiety. Unfortunately, all this stress and busyness can also distract from taking care of your oral health. Neglecting your dental hygiene and skipping your dental visits can allow oral health problems to escalate.
The good news is there are many things you can do to reduce dental anxiety and protect your smile over the holidays. In this article, we'll explore 5 key tips from The Pampered Tooth, your trusted Port Orange, FL, dentist. Taking these small steps can help you face dental fears, maintain healthy habits, and enjoy your brightest smile throughout the season.
Manage Stress with Relaxation Techniques
When you're stressed, you're more likely to forget or neglect parts of your oral care routine. Stress can also increase behaviors like teeth grinding, tongue thrusting, and lip or cheek biting which can lead to problems like chipped teeth, TMJ/TMD pain, and tooth sensitivity. That's why managing overall stress levels is so important for your oral health.
Practicing relaxation techniques is one of the best ways to combat stress. Try setting aside 10 minutes a day to do deep breathing exercises, meditate, practice yoga, take a walk outdoors, or just sit quietly with a cup of tea. Any activity that brings your mind and body into a more relaxed state can help lower those stress levels.
Making time for hobbies you enjoy, prioritizing sleep, and saying no to extra obligations can also keep holiday stress from creeping up. Don't be afraid to take a break from social media too! Scrolling can quickly ramp up anxiety. Give yourself permission to take a timeout when you need it.
Stay Consistent with Your Oral Health Routine
It’s easy to get off track with brushing and flossing when you’re busy, traveling, or dealing with a jam-packed social calendar. But sticking to your regular oral hygiene routine is key to avoiding issues like cavities and gum disease this season.
Be sure to pack toothbrushes, floss, and any other dental items you may need when traveling. Schedule reminders on your phone if it helps you remember to brush and floss. Carve out time in your morning and evening routines so you don't get derailed. And don’t skip your daily routine - brush for 2 minutes twice per day and floss at least once per day. Consistency is key.
Rinsing with a mouthwash can also help freshen breath and fight bacteria between brushing. If you notice any tooth or gum sensitivity, switch to sensitivity toothpaste and avoid habits like aggressive brushing. Protecting your teeth with consistent oral care habits will help you avoid dental emergencies throughout the holidays.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Holiday treats are part of the fun of the season, but increased snacking on sugary, acidic, and starchy foods can damage your enamel. Things like sugary baked goods, candy, breads, and even citrus fruits and juices can wear down your enamel over time, leading to cavities.
Whenever possible, limit sugary foods to mealtimes. Rinse or brush after eating sweets. Drink water alongside acidic drinks or sweets. If you’re snacking, choose healthy options like cheese, vegetables, nuts, or lean proteins. Be mindful, but don't deprive yourself completely.
Be extra diligent about your oral hygiene routine after holiday meals and parties. Take a few minutes to brush and floss before going to bed. This will clear away plaque and food debris before it has a chance to cause harm overnight. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say.
Don’t Ignore Dental Problems
During the busy holiday stretch, you might find yourself putting off dental visits and ignoring issues. From toothaches to cracked teeth or even gum pain, delaying treatment will only allow problems to worsen. Getting prompt care protects your oral health in the long run.
Schedule an exam with your dentist if you notice any concerns like sensitive or loose teeth, sudden changes, or oral health problems. We know it can be difficult to get an appointment amidst holiday bustle, so call our Port Orange dental office as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary. Don't let holiday business cause you to neglect your health.
Choose Dental-Friendly Holiday Foods
Many holiday favorites tend to be sticky, sugary, acidic, or starchy. Overall, this could spell the perfect recipe for dental disaster. But – don’t fear! There are plenty of seasonal treats that are also dentist-approved.
Opt for these tooth-friendly options when prepping your holiday menu:
You can also ask your dentist for tips on minimizing the impact of acidic or sugary foods. Small steps like rinsing with water after eating or limiting sweets to mealtimes can make a difference. Don’t deprive yourself of holiday treats – just enjoy them in moderation and balance them out with healthy choices.
If you need more guidance, The Pampered Tooth is here to help all year ‘round! Whether you’re seeking a provider for general dentistry or pursuing cosmetic treatments, our Port Orange dental office offers personalized care to help you achieve your healthiest smile. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment – we’ll make sure your smile shines bright this holiday season!