Even if you commit to keeping your plans for the holidays modest, you can be absolutely charmed by this time of year. Festive decorations, gift exchanges, and tasty seasonal treats can be hard to resist, though in the case of the treats it can be a bad idea to indulge too freely. A number of rich foods and enticing desserts can wind up on our plates during the holiday season, which can lead to a rise in your cavity risk. The holidays can affect your risk for decay in another way that should be noted – you can have a harder time sticking to your oral hygiene routine when your daily routine changes around the season. Our Rochester, MN dentist’s office can help you by making sure you have the right access to dental care, as well as support if you find yourself concerned that your smile is affected by dental decay!
1. Be Smart About Your Diet On Days When You Have Seasonal Treats
Adults and kids can find themselves indulging more than usual when it comes to enjoying desserts around the holidays. Make sure you plan your family’s meals and snacks smartly at this time, as you can offset this spike in sugar with healthier offerings when gatherings are not taking place. Because kids tend to have more trouble resisting their cravings for sweets, it can be especially important to watch them, and make sure that their next pediatric dental exam is scheduled.
2. Stick To Your Oral Hygiene Routine (Even If The Rest Of Your Routine Is Changed)
People often see some changes in their routine during the holidays, as they can take vacation time from work and their kids can enjoy a break from school. Be sure that a change in bedtimes and wake-up times does not lead to any change in your household’s brushing and flossing habits. Continue to make sure that everyone brushes at least twice a day and flosses at least once. By doing so, you can make sure you all stay better protected against problems that can require dental fillings and dental crowns!
3. Don’t Fall Off Track With Your Regular Dental Exams
If you have your next routine dental exam scheduled around this time of year, make sure you attend your appointment. Staying consistent with these visits protects you against tartar buildup, and it will alert you to any recently-formed problems that will need to be resolved.
Your Rochester, MN Dentist’s Office Can Help You Protect Your Smile!
Calcagno Cosmetic And Family Dentistry is prepared to help patients of all ages in and around our community through the year. We understand that the holiday season can put people in challenging situations when it comes to their oral health, which is why we are happy to provide guidance and preventive care during visits. To find out more, please call our dentist’s office in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.