Our compassionate dentist in Oak Park, IL, understands that you want to protect your teeth during the holidays, but busy schedules can make it challenging to do so. Sugary goodies, friends and family, and Christmas cheer take center stage while your at-home dental care falls by the wayside. But don’t worry! Dr. Thomas Wegner is here to share what patients often forget and how to keep your smile healthy all season long.
Noticing more plaque or sensitivity? This is your sign to schedule an exam and cleaning at Town and Country Dental of Oak Park, IL. Call us at (708) 383-0330 to book a visit before the end of the year!
Why the Holidays Are Tough on Teeth
The holidays change routines fast. People travel, stay up late, and eat more sugar. These changes make it harder to protect your teeth during the holidays.
Plaque builds up when brushing and flossing slip. This gives disease-causing bacteria an endless food source, allowing them to wreak havoc on your smile.
And let’s not forget about stress! Increased holiday stress can lead to unintentional jaw clenching or grinding, which damages teeth.
What Most Patients Forget to Do
Many people remember to brush. However, fewer people remember the small steps that truly protect your teeth during the holidays. These steps feel simple, but they matter a lot:
- Drink enough water
- Floss every single night before bed
- Don’t use teeth to tear open packages
- Limit alcohol
Skipping these steps allows sugar and acid to sit on teeth longer. That increases damage and leads to dental troubles down the road.
Why It Matters
Drinking enough water, flossing before bed, using proper tools to open packages, and limiting alcohol are all important steps in your oral care routine.
Drinking Enough Water
Drinking enough water (especially after consuming sugary goodies and alcoholic beverages) keeps the mouth moist and prevents harmful sugar, acids, and bacteria from lingering on the teeth.
Flossing Before Bed
While flossing before bed may seem impossible at the end of a long day, you’ll save yourself from preventable cavities and gum disease later. Hate string floss? Try interdental brushes or a water pick to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas before hitting the hay.
Using Proper Tools
It is oh-so-tempting to open packages with your teeth. But this could lead to dental damage or even an emergency. Save yourself the trouble, and keep a pair of scissors handy during the holidays.
Limiting Alcohol
Holiday cheer often brings holiday spirits. But alcohol has a drying effect on your smile, which allows bacteria to cause extra damage. Plus, alcohol misuse is one of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer. So, aim for one to two drinks daily, and rinse with water afterward to minimize unwanted damage.
Forgetting Dental Visits Before Year-End
Many patients delay cleanings until next year. This allows plaque and bacteria to stay longer and continue damaging your smile. Luckily, simple cleanings at Town and Country Dental remove buildup that you cannot remove at home, which protects your teeth during the holidays and beyond.
Remember: If you have dental benefits, using them before they reset also saves you a lot of money!
Your Smile Deserves Care This Season – Call Town & Country Dental of Oak Park Today!
If you need help protecting your smile this season, click here to talk to the team at Town and Country Dental of Oak Park, IL, or call Dr. Thomas Wegner at (708) 383-0330 for guidance, appointments, and more!