{"id":140,"date":"2020-11-25T19:38:07","date_gmt":"2020-11-25T19:38:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.willowgrovedentist.com\/blog\/?p=140"},"modified":"2020-11-25T19:38:09","modified_gmt":"2020-11-25T19:38:09","slug":"oral-health-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.willowgrovedentist.com\/blog\/2020\/11\/25\/oral-health-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Are the Holidays the Worst Time for Your Smile?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Thanksgiving<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Whether you look forward to decorating, spending time with family, or indulging in some delicious meals, the holiday season is certainly a time of year that many people are eager to get to. However, your smile isn\u2019t on the same boat. In fact, the holidays are probably the worst time of year for your oral health. Continue reading to learn a few reasons why this time of year takes a toll on your smile and some ways that you can limit it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Makes the Holidays So Bad for Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few main reasons why the holiday negatively impacts your smile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constant Snacking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are meeting with your family over the holidays this year, you are likely going to catch up over a delicious homecooked meal. Afterall, this is what Thanksgiving is all about. However, when you start out with appetizers followed by a meal and then dessert afterwards, that is a lot of constant eating throughout the day. Instead, stick to a few balanced meals with plenty of time between them. This way, your teeth can get a break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High Sugar Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re likely to come across your fair share of sugary treats this holiday season, and they are often times difficult to resist. Unfortunately, this isn\u2019t the best idea for your dental health. When you eat sugar, it turns into acid in the mouth which softens your protective enamel. Next, bacteria-filled plaque buildups will eat away at your soft enamel. Ultimately, you are more likely to end up with cavities and other oral health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of Routine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For most of the year, you have a routine that you stick to when it comes to your oral hygiene. Your normal healthy eating and dental hygiene routine can easily be thrown off, especially if you\u2019re traveling. Make sure that you don\u2019t forget to brush before bed. Your smile should be a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Maintain Your Oral Health Over the Holidays?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n