How to Avoid Dental Emergencies During the Holidays

The holidays are finally here! This means that you are probably spending extra time shopping for gifts, preparing delicious meals, and catching up with relatives. It is the time of year that we all have been waiting for! However, suffering from a severe toothache or another dental emergency could easily put a damper on the holidays. The good news is that a dentist in Corpus Christi is here to help. Here are some tips that can help you avoid a dental emergency this year.

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

No matter what time of year it is, it’s crucial that you are constantly and thoroughly practicing good oral hygiene. Remember to brush twice with a fluoridated mouthwash and floss at least once every single day. This will help to remove food debris and plaque that will eventually cause you to develop decay and even gum disease.

Drink Water

As much as you are draw to that glass of wine or can of cola, those are not good choices for your smile. Be sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will help to wash away food debris and prevent you from developing dry mouth. This can also help to reduce your cravings throughout the day so that you don’t overindulge in your favorite holiday foods. If you are looking for something fizzy, try having some sparkling water.

Go Easy on the Sugar

Sugar is a nemesis for your teeth. This is because when you eat sugar, bacteria thrive off of it and release acids that contribute to tooth decay and gum tissue damage. Try to limit yourself to only a few sweet treats each day. If you are a chocolate addict like many people, look for a darker chocolate that contains less sugar. Sugar-free gum is a great alternative to candy because it helps to increase your saliva production in the mouth.

Be Careful with Hard Foods

Your teeth’s protective enamel is the hardest substance in your entire body, but it isn’t indestructible. If you munch down on something that’s too hard, you could cause it damage. Be careful when having harder foods like popcorn, nuts, and candy. Do not chew on hard non-food items like your fingernails, pencils, pens, and ice!

See Your Dentist

There is no better time to see your dentist than now. Even if you are the most diligent brusher and flosser in the world, you still need to see your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings to ensure that everything is in good shape. If your dentist finds a small issue now, you will likely be able to resolve it before it turns into a full-on dental emergency.

You don’t want to be spending any extra time in the dental chair this holiday season. By using the tips listed above, you can start the new year cavity-free!

About the Author

Dr. John T. Thompson is an experience dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. To this day, he completes continuing education hours in order to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He was awarded Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry which places him in the top 7% of all dentists. His practice does everything they can to see patients right away when they are suffering from a dental emergency. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (361) 242-3151.