Happy Holidays! As you’re preparing your family’s December festivities, we want to do our part as oral health professionals to make sure that our patients are happy and healthy. To help your family time be full of Christmas cheer, here are a few things to consider in oral care matters.
Common Holiday Dental Mishaps
Accidents are prone to happen within the stress and busyness of the holiday season. We’ve listed a few common occurrences to consider while you prepare your family for what the rest of the year has to offer.
Sugary Overindulgences
Christmas treats from neighbors and family members are plentiful during the holidays. Oftentimes, these snacks can be filled with sugar that can eat away at you and your family’s tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel helps protect your teeth from decay, cavities, and serious dental damage that can happen if left unhandled long enough.
In addition to the sugary snacks, be sure to watch for acidic drinks over the holidays as well. Drinks such as soda and wine can easily discolor your teeth and weaken your ability to meet the demands of the holidays.
Dental Trauma Risk Factors
Tripping on ice or injuring yourself in a family sports activity can put your smile in a difficult position. Even chipped teeth can quickly create life-altering dental infections. To avoid these concerns, be sure to use caution when biting on tough foods or going out in unpredictable weather.
One other thing to consider is mouthguards during sports activities. These tools can help protect your teeth against tough impact, giving you the confidence to feel comfortable making memories with your family.
Disregarded Dental Habits
Our dentists Dr. Caleb and Megan Beam are dentists by day and parents by night, so we understand the stress and pressing tasks that come with the holiday season. While you wrap gifts or help your family with the end-of-year festivities, be sure not to neglect the dental habits that we’ve discussed in the dental chair.
Neglecting daily dental habits can cause permanent tooth damage and gum decay. The stress of the holidays can also cause patients to create bad habits, such as grinding their teeth. Though these habits may seem inconsequential, habits such as bruxism can quickly wear out your teeth and require additional dental work.
Protect Your Home Against Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are fortunately very preventable with proper precautions for you and your family. Here are some easy tips to help your family feel at ease during the holiday season:
- Be Prepared: You never know when a dental emergency might happen. Be sure to keep our office’s number, painkillers, and ice pack on hand to quickly receive relief during these circumstances.
- Visit the Dentist: Our team recommends seeing the dentist about twice a year to avoid damaged teeth and gum disease. In the midst of the holiday hoopla, be sure to take care of your preventative dentistry needs!
- Teach Proper Moderation: Before you and your family head out to the family get-together, be sure to talk to them about moderation to avoid splurging on sugar. Especially during this tempting time of year, understanding proper dieting is key.
If you have any other questions about how to help your family’s oral health, feel free to give our office a call! We would be happy to address your concerns and even instruct your child on the importance and fun of a healthy smile.
Fix Dental Disasters with Fairchance Dental Arts
We’re sure there are plenty of things on your mind this holiday season—don’t let dental emergencies be one of them! Trust Drs. Caleb and Megan Beam with your emergency dental needs in the Fairchance, PA, area. Call our office as soon as an emergency occurs to schedule an appointment!
