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The holiday rush is characterised by busy schedules, end-of-year parties, plenty of food, and trips to visit relatives and friends. With so much going on, it’s easy to forget your dental health. But neglecting your teeth and gums – even for a few days – can lead to plaque buildup, bad breath and gum irritation. Read on for ways you can keep your oral health in check.

Travel-Ready Dental Kit

Whether road-tripping to visit family or simply spending the night at a friend’s house, having a compact dental kit comes in handy when on the go. Pack the essentials: a travel-sized toothbrush, mini toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.

Don’t Ditch Your Routine

You might be exhausted after that late-night holiday party – and the last thing you want to do is brush and floss – but plaque doesn’t take a day off. Skipping one or two sessions can lead to a quick bacteria buildup, causing bad breath and cavities. Set a reminder if you have to, and make brushing and flossing part of your holiday routine.

Watch Out for Holiday Treats

From cookies, sweets, and festive drinks, it’s hard to cut out sugar during delights. But sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay. Sugary foods feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to acid production that attacks your enamel, while acidic drinks like wine and citrus cocktails, can erode enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable.

So, what’s the solution? Enjoy holiday treats in moderation and drink water afterward to rinse away the sugar and acids.

 

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water might not be the most exciting holiday tip, but when it comes to dental health, it’s crucial. Staying hydrated helps flush out food particles, bacteria, and sugars that cling to your teeth, especially after all those festive snacks. Not only that, but water encourages saliva production, which naturally protects your teeth by neutralising acids.

Sugar-Free Gum to the Rescue

Let’s say you’re at a holiday gathering, and brushing your teeth isn’t an option. What do you do? Reach for some sugar-free gum. Chewing gum after meals is an easy way to help clean your teeth when you’re on the go. It stimulates saliva, which helps wash away food particles and reduces acidity in your mouth.

Look for gum with xylitol, a sweetener that tastes great and helps prevent cavities by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria. Just pop a piece in after your meal, chew for about 15 minutes, and you’ll give your teeth a fighting chance until you can get to your toothbrush.

Rinse with Water or Mouthwash

Sometimes, you don’t have the time or privacy for an entire brushing session. A quick rinse with water or mouthwash can do wonders in that case. Swishing with water after meals helps dislodge food particles and neutralises acids from sugary treats.

If you have mouthwash on hand, ensure it has fluoride to help strengthen your enamel and provide extra protection. Wait at least 30 minutes after consuming anything acidic before rinsing to avoid further weakening your enamel.

Stress Less, Grind Less

The holidays aren’t all jingle bells – there’s stress, too. For most people, stress means teeth grinding (also known as bruxism). Whether the pressure of planning the perfect family dinner or the strain of holiday travel, tension can sneak up and take a toll on your teeth.

If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard for nighttime protection. It’s a simple solution to prevent chipped or worn-down teeth in the long run. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take time to relax. A little mindfulness or breathing exercises can go a long way in preventing stress-induced grinding.

Schedule a Post-Holiday Checkup

Once the holiday season winds down, it’s the perfect time to schedule a dental checkup. Booking a visit with your dentist early in the new year ensures that any plaque or tartar buildup from your holiday treats gets taken care of, and you’ll start the new year with a clean, healthy smile.

Conclusion

The holidays are about joy, celebration, and creating memories – but don’t let your dental health decline. With some planning and a few simple habits, you can keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright, no matter how busy the season gets.

Ensure you pack that travel kit, drink plenty of water, enjoy holiday treats in moderation, keep up with your brushing and flossing routine, and schedule to see your dentist as soon as the holidays are over. Your Affinity Dental plan allows you to find a network dentist nearby if you want to schedule a dental checkup.