Between finding the perfect gift, decorating the house, and surviving family get togethers, there are probably a million different things on your mind during the holiday season. But what if you take a bite of that peppermint bark and hear a crunch that’s a little too loud? Among all the festivities and fun, there are many ways to damage your teeth during the holidays. A broken or painful tooth isn’t fun any time of the year, but it can be a major inconvenience while you try to enjoy this special time. Here are the top tips your emergency dentist in Carrolton wants you to know about how to avoid a dental emergency and enjoy a smile-friendly holiday season.
Give Yourself the Gift of Preventive Dentistry
A little forethought can go a long way to keep a dental emergency from interrupting your holiday season. Be sure to see your dentist every six months for your regular dental checkup, and don’t cancel any scheduled appointments during this busy time of year. Regular checkups are the best way to catch issues as early as possible, before they become an emergency.
Don’t let the holidays distract you from keeping up your healthy habits either. With all the parties and family dinners, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is essential to protecting them from all the sugars contained in your favorite holiday treats.
Snack Safe this Holiday Season
Everyone knows that no dentist would put candy on the nice list. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to avoid sugar entirely during the holidays, but you can keep your teeth happy and healthy by following a few simple tips:
- Avoid crunching on hard foods like peppermints or popcorn that could cause fractures in your teeth.
- Stay away from sticky foods like caramels or fruitcake that might dislocate your fillings or dental crowns.
- Clean sugars off your teeth as quickly as possible by eating your sweets with food rather than afterward and drinking plenty of water.
Slow Down for the Sake of Your Teeth
You may be excited to open your gifts or that bottle of Christmas wine, but don’t forget that your teeth are only meant to handle food. Using your teeth to rip open wrapping paper, tear apart plastic containers, or open bottles can seriously damage them in a matter of moments. To protect your teeth, slow down and take the time to get the scissors or bottle opener!
Unfortunately, not all emergencies can be avoided. If you do have a dental emergency, call your dentist in Carrollton right away for how to handle it until you can get into the office. However, following these tips for protecting your teeth will help you enjoy a smile-safe holiday season!
About the Author
Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh has been practicing comprehensive dentistry in the Carrolton area for nearly 20 years. He is a graduate of the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, a member of the American Dental Association, and has been nominated as one of “America’s Best Dentists” in both 2015 and 2016. He believes in a personalized, friendly approach to dental care to help his patients maintain a healthy, happy smile throughout the holidays. To learn more about how to avoid dental emergencies this holiday season, you can contact him via his website or at (972) 820-7294.