The holiday season is a time for laughter, joy, and indulgence, but it can also be a peak season for dental emergencies. From festive foods to holiday activities, your teeth can face unexpected risks. Our Denver dentists are here to tell you to protect your smile during the holidays.
The best way to protect your smile all year long is with routine check-ups and cleanings with our Denver dentists. Contact Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, at (303) 534-2626 to book a visit now!
In today’s post, our Denver dentists reveal the most common holiday dental issues. We also offer practical tips to avoid them, so you can keep your smile merry and bright!
Cracked or Chipped Teeth
The holidays bring an array of tempting treats, but biting into hard foods like peanut brittle, candy canes, or popcorn kernels can easily lead to cracked or chipped teeth. Even chewing on unexpected fragments, like bones in turkey, can cause damage.
To avoid this, be cautious when eating harder foods and consider skipping candy canes or tough snacks altogether. Our Denver dentists recommend opting for tooth-friendly treats like softer baked goods instead.
Toothaches
Sugary desserts feed cavity-causing bacteria, potentially exacerbating existing dental problems. Combine that with hectic holiday schedules and neglected oral care, and you’ve got a recipe for a painful toothache. Make it a point to brush twice daily, floss, and moderate your intake of acidic and sugary foods to prevent this common holiday woe.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Holiday activities, whether they involve winter sports like skiing or simply enthusiastic party dancing, can lead to unexpected slips or falls. Such accidents often result in knocked-out teeth.
If this happens, act quickly: gently rinse the tooth, keep it moist in saliva or milk, and see our Denver dentists immediately. Wearing a mouthguard during sports and being mindful during holiday celebrations can help minimize these risks.
Loose or Lost Dental Work
Sticky holiday treats, like caramel, toffee, or taffy, can wreak havoc on crowns, fillings, and braces. These chewy foods can dislodge dental work, leaving you with an uncomfortable or inconvenient situation.
Avoid these problem foods, especially if you have dental appliances, and stick to less sticky options like soft chocolates or pudding.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Accidentally biting your tongue or cheek while eating too quickly is a common mishap during festive meals. To prevent this, eat slowly and chew carefully. If you do experience a soft tissue injury, our Denver dentists recommend rinsing with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce discomfort.
Burns from Hot Foods and Drinks
Hot beverages like cocoa or mulled wine and fresh-out-of-the-oven dishes can cause painful burns if consumed too quickly. And research indicates that foods and drinks hotter than 149℉ pose a serious risk to soft tissues. So, always test the temperature of foods and drinks before indulging.
Broken Braces or Wires
Orthodontic patients should be especially careful during the holidays. Hard or sticky foods can bend or snap braces and wires, leading to discomfort and emergency trips to our Denver dentists. Stick to braces-friendly options like soft fruits and mashed potatoes to keep your orthodontic work intact.
Celebrate the Holidays and Healthy Smiles with Our Denver Dentists
This holiday season, safeguard your smile by scheduling a check-up and cleaning at Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO. Easily request appointments online here, or contact our care facilitator at (303) 534-2626 for booking!
