The holiday season is in full swing and we find ourselves struggling to resist the temptation of all the cookies, cakes and candies that are synonymous with this time of year. We often justify our overindulgence by promising to commit to healthier choices at the start of the New Year.
It’s important to keep in mind, that although we tend to think only of our waistlines as we overindulge, we can really be wreaking havoc on our teeth!
How Can I Be Hurting My Teeth? 
From work celebrations to holiday get-togethers or even gifts we receive; there is simply no escaping the abundance of goodies that present themselves this time of year. We easily see the effects these goodies have on our bathroom scales but oftentimes forget about what they might be doing to our teeth!
Much of what tempts us this time of year, from Christmas cookies to candies and even cocoa or alcoholic beverages, contains excess sugar. Left on our teeth, sugar directly contributes to cavity formation and tooth decay.
Cavities are caused by acids that demineralize the surface of enamel. These acids are caused when bacteria in our mouth metabolize certain foods we eat, especially carbohydrates and sugars. Excess alcohol consumption can also lead to dry mouth which contributes to cavity formation. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. This flushes the oral cavity of bacteria and debris and also helps neutralize harmful acids. In addition, drinking water aids in the remineralization of enamel.
Be careful when enjoying hard candy as it can break and chip your teeth. Sticky candy can even be more detrimental! The stickier the candy is, the harder it is to remove. It also gets stuck in between the teeth which is a prime breeding ground for dental decay! Sticky candy can also loosen dental restorations which can lead to decay or costly repairs.
How Can I Protect My Teeth This Holiday Season?
Don’t fret… there are steps you can take to protect your teeth AND still enjoy the holidays!
- Maintain your oral health care routine
- Carry a toothbrush & small tube of toothpaste with you and brush more often
- Drink LOTS OF WATER to wash away excess debris and bacteria
- Consider healthy ingredient substitutes when planning your holiday menu or baking recipes
- Commit to a kicking a bad habit this New Year such as tobacco use which often leads to gum disease & tooth loss
- Consider stocking stuffers with your oral health in mind- most dental products are just the right size
- Consider investing in a night guard if the stress of the holiday season leads to increased clenching & grinding
- Schedule a post-holiday exam and cleaning
From your Gillespie Dental Associates family, we would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing all of you in 2022.