Now is an exciting time of the year as you gather with loved ones to celebrate the holidays. As you make plans to celebrate, you do not have the time for an unexpected trip to your dentist in Columbia for an oral health problem, like a toothache. You can help to ensure nothing stands in your way of making the most of the holiday season using 5 simple tips to maintain a bright and merry smile.
- Skip Overly Hard Foods
A broken or chipped tooth is no laughing matter. Although you cannot fully prevent them, there are several things you can do to help decrease the likeliness of one, like avoiding overly hard foods. Although nuts are a great source of protein to keep your muscles and bones strong, they can damage your teeth. Do not bite into nutshells because it can lead to a fractured or broken tooth. It can also cause a gum injury.
- Avoid Chewy Treats
Chewy and sweet treats may taste great, but they can increase your risk of tooth decay or cause a restoration to come loose. Sticky treats cling to the crevasses of your teeth, like the back molars. It can be difficult to remove the debris, allowing it to sit on your teeth until it eats away at your enamel and causes a cavity. Taffy and other sticky treats can cause a crown or filling to fall out, leading to a dental emergency.
- Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
When opening your gifts, it is tempting to use your teeth as tools to open packages when you cannot find a pair of scissors nearby. Although it may be convenient, it can cause them to chip or crack. While it may take a few more minutes to find the right tool, it is better than an unexpected trip to the dentist.
- Avoid Nail Biting
It is no secret that the holidays can be a stressful time. To cope with it, it is easy to turn to nail biting or chewing on other inedible objects. It is best to skip the bad habits to find a better way to deal with the stress, like chewing sugarless gum.
- Skip Hard Candies
No holiday season is complete without candy canes or other hard candies. While they taste great, they can lead to cracked or chipped teeth. As an alternative, choose healthier treats, like fresh fruits or vegetables.
Keep Your Smile Healthy for the Holidays
Do not let an unexpected dental emergency cause you to Google, “where is a dentist near me?” Make a few simple changes during the season to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You will enjoy the holidays while starting the new year with a bright smile.
About Beck Dental Care
Beck Dental Care has provided the community with high-quality dentistry for more than 40 years. We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile through personalized services. We help you maintain your oral health throughout the year. Contact our office today to schedule your first visit.