It may feel like summer was just yesterday, but we’re quickly moving into the holiday season. Between prepping for Thanksgiving and Christmas, traveling, school, sports, and work functions—your calendar might already be booked solid through January.
With such hectic schedules, oral hygiene can sometimes get neglected during the holiday season. But with just a little forethought, maintaining a bright and healthy smile is easy to fit onto the calendar.
Stick to Your Routine
It may be harder to maintain your regular oral hygiene regimen around the holidays, but it’s important to brush at least twice a day. Your overall health is connected to your oral health, and you can be more susceptible to infections and other problems when your oral health is neglected.
Keeping an extra toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag can help you stick to a routine, especially if you run late in the morning or are spending a night away from home. Carrying what you need enables you to get those brushing sessions in as time allows.
Watch Out for Sweets
There never seems to be a break—Halloween candy is barely gone before the Thanksgiving table is set, and those leftovers might still be around when we’re baking Christmas cookies.
There’s no need to swear off holiday sweets entirely, but keep in mind that you may want to brush more frequently. Make sure to rinse with water after eating something sugary, and go easy on hard candy, like peanut brittle, that could chip or crack a tooth.
Whitening Before the Holidays
Scheduling a teeth whitening session before the holidays can be a good way to keep your smile at its best, while boosting your self-confidence at the same time. And with many of us going from one holiday gathering to another, being more confident in social settings will make the holidays much more enjoyable.
In-office whitening can brighten teeth by up to ten shades, and typically takes no more than an hour. And if taken care of properly, teeth can retain the effects of whitening for up to three years.
Dr. Lordo can help determine the best method of whitening for your smile, and you can read more about our services here.
Be Prepared When Traveling
If family gatherings take you out of town this season, your toiletry kit should carry more than just your brush and toothpaste. It can be difficult to find a dentist office for emergencies when in a different town, and most offices are closed during the holidays.
If you happen chip or crack a tooth, help might not be readily available. Pack your kit with over-the-counter pain relievers, sterile water, gauze, and temporary adhesive. You can also ask your dentist ahead of time to recommend any emergency clinics in the places you’re traveling.
Start the New Year with Appointments for the Whole Family
Once the holidays are finally finished, January is a great time to schedule dentist visits for the entire family. Have a professional cleaning done can minimize the impact the holidays have on our teeth, and help to identify any long-term concerns.
Whether your calendar is packed or not in coming months, our office is open to fit your schedule. Contact us at (614) 350-5546 or online to make an appointment.