4 Best Practices for Healthy Teeth During the Holidays

Categories: Oral Health

holiday oral healthSCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA

The holiday season is the best time of year to indulge in festive foods and treats. From the office Christmas party bake-off to mom’s famous peanut brittle, it seems the sweet stuff is everywhere. However, you can protect your oral health and enjoy some of the festive fares as well. The family dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry share four best practices for healthy teeth during the holidays.

  1. Sweet Treats and Decadent Desserts

The holiday season highlights decadent desserts and tasty treats for adults and children alike. However, with large amounts of processed sugars, your consumption frequency could lead to advanced conditions such as cavities. Therefore, when you choose to consume sugar-filled goodies, go for one serving for one sitting instead of grazing from the dessert table all day. By consuming sugar in one sitting, it reduces the amount of time that sugar inundates your mouth. The professional dentists in Los Gatos warn that frequently eating sugar all day increases your risk of cavities and gum disease.

  1. Moderate Alcohol Consumption

During the holiday season, you may consume more alcohol than average. However, alcoholic drinks are highly acidic and can cause enamel erosion to your teeth. The deterioration can aid bacteria in creating dangerous cavities. The Santa Cruz general dentists near you warn that alcohol also induces dehydration. Saliva reduction causes a delay in neutralizing the acids in your mouth. Therefore, after consuming an alcoholic beverage, we recommend drinking a glass of water to return your mouth to a healthy pH balance and negate the sugar and acid effects.

  1. Children’s Toys

The holiday season is known for an increase in emergency room visits from parents who attempt to show their children how to use a toy or that they still “got it” as a parent. The act often results in severe injuries to the wrist, knees, collarbone, or sometimes your face. When you impact your face, your teeth are at high risk for damage. Therefore, if you encounter a facial impact this season that results in a broken or knocked out tooth, feel free to contact the emergency dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry for treatment.

  1. Remember Your Toothbrush

Accidentally leaving your toothbrush behind when traveling or visiting family may mean you have to skip a brushing session or two before you have access to your oral care tools again. During this time, harmful bacteria are continually causing damage to your tooth enamel. Of course, you can find local retail or drug stores to replace your forgotten items. However, the friendly Los Gatos dentists near you recommend patients keep a travel set with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss in your car. That way, you can still maintain proper oral health even when you forget your toothbrush at home.

Emergency Dentists in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California

Maintaining a healthy smile this holiday season can be less challenging when you follow the above guidelines. Also, get a checkup and cleaning before the holidays to help uncover potential concerns and prepare your chompers for a season of eating. Feel free to call your family-friendly Santa Cruz dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry at (831) 438-4411 to schedule an appointment.