As the fast-approaching holiday season is right around the corner, I wanted to reach out to share some important oral health tips to ensure you have a joyful and pain-free Christmas and New Year.
Stress and Your Smile:
During the holidays, we see an increase in patients dealing with toothaches, pain, sensitivity, and various dental issues. A combination of stress and holiday treats can really be the “1,2 punch” on your smile and health. I understand that scheduling can be tight, and that’s why I’m sharing some proactive steps to keep your smile in top shape throughout the festivities.
Preventing Tooth Cracking:
Eating hot and cold foods back-to-back during the holidays can lead to tooth cracking. Be mindful of your choices to minimize the expanding and shrinking of dental work that you’ve had done in the past. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in preventing discomfort.
My Personal Daily Routine:
To maintain optimal oral health during the busy holiday season, consider incorporating these steps into your daily routine:
Early Morning: Use a Xylitol mouthwash for a fresh start.
After Breakfast: Brush with Fluoride or Xylitol mineral toothpaste for 2 minutes.
Between Meals: Stay hydrated with water to wash away food particles.
Before Bed: Floss for 1 minute, brush for 2 minutes, and use mineral toothpaste.
Better Than Brushing:
Pay close attention to the importance of drinking and rinsing with water. Minimize sugary and starchy foods to protect your enamel. Cutting back on these elements can save you from unnecessary root canals or tooth loss.
Additional Tips for Optimal Oral Health:
Regular Checkups: Schedule dental checkups and maintenance two to four times per year, or as recommended based on your health and risk factors.
Bonded Dental Sealants: Utilize adult sealants for long-term benefits in preventing decay.
Densentising bonding: Explore the latest technology to enhance remineralization and protect your exposed roots.
Cold and Flu Season Reminder:
Remember to change your toothbrush or electric brush head if you’ve had a cold or cough. Tongue scraping has also been shown to reduce the chance of contracting a cold or virus.
Emergency Contact Information:
If a dental emergency or toothache arises during the holidays, please call us at (801) 503-0035. Our after-hours voicemail will allow you to leave a message or send a text, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Holiday Hours:
We will be closed on December 25th (Christmas Day) and
December 26th. However, we are open the rest of this week and next to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Take a Breath:
As you may know I’m a big fan of total health and how it relates to your body, mouth and sleep. In the book “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art” by James Nestor, we learn the science, history, and cultural aspects of breathing.
Nestor elaborates on the benefits of slower breathing patterns, particularly around 5.5 to 6 breaths per minute. He suggests that adopting a slower breathing rate can have positive effects on your nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This aligns with various breathing practices and research that highlight the benefits of mindful and slower breathing for overall well-being. So don’t forget to BREATHE and take a break when you need to, plus you’re less likely to clench or grind your teeth when you are relaxed.
By following these Holiday Health tips, you can enjoy the season worry-free and allocate your hard-earned cash toward meaningful gifts for your loved ones. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you and your family a joyful and healthy holiday season!
