4 Tips from a Dentist in Rexburg for Keeping Cavities Away This Holiday Season

You’re enjoying a party at a friend’s house when suddenly there’s a severe pain in your tooth, giving you no choice but to call your dentist in Rexburg immediately. Not the way you wanted the holidays to go? Dental emergencies can happen even in the middle of a celebration – especially with all the extra sweets! Fortunately, you can follow these 4 simple steps to keep your teeth, gums, and dental work safe during the holiday season.

1. Don’t Overdo It with the Sugar

The holidays are often the only chance you’ll have all year to enjoy certain treats, such as gingerbread cookies or eggnog. There’s nothing wrong with letting yourself indulge a bit, but you need to be wary of how much sugar you’re consuming; too much exposure could cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. Try to limit such treats to meals (when there’s more saliva in your mouth to help wash away the sugar) and be sure to eat plenty of tooth friendly foods such as cheese and carrots to keep potential dental damage to a minimum.

2. Know What to Avoid

Some sweets are particularly naughty when it comes to what they can do to your teeth. Do your best to avoid:

• Candy canes and other hard candies: the sugar they contain stays in your mouth for a long time (and thus increase the risk of a cavity forming), and they can do serious damage to your smile if you bite down on them.
• Caramels and other sticky treats: not only do they tend to remain on the teeth, but they could also pull a filling or other types of dental work loose.
• Wine and soda: these beverages can weaken your tooth enamel and may also leave unsightly stains.

3. Stick to an Oral Hygiene Routine

Traveling, shopping, and partying tends to take up a lot of your time during the holidays, but you should always have room in your schedule for proper dental care! No matter how busy you are, don’t forget to brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes at a time; you should also be using dental floss on a daily basis.

4. Schedule a Post-Holiday Checkup Now

Even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to get so caught up in the hectic holiday season that you don’t give your dental health the attention it deserves. That’s why it’s a good idea to put “visit a dentist near me” on your post-holiday to-do list. It’s a good opportunity to have cavities or gum disease identified and treated before they have a chance to inflict too much damage.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to maintain your full, healthy smile going into the New Year. Don’t let a dental emergency interrupt your time to have fun with your friends and family!

ABOUT CORNERSTONE FAMILY DENTISTRY

At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, Dr. Bo Crofoot and Dr. Thomas Snarr are committed to building relationships with their community and providing a welcoming atmosphere for families to receive excellent dental care. If you have concerns about your dental health or want to schedule a holiday appointment, visit our practice’s website or call (972) 271-1302.