The Naughty List of Holiday Habits That May Hurt Your Teeth!

With the holiday season here, we’re all working extra hard to stay on Santa’s “Nice” list. But did you know that your Kansas City family dentist has our very own “Naughty” list? Yep! It’s a list of holiday habits that can hurt your teeth. These are habits we hope you’ll avoid during the holiday season so your smile can stay merry and bright!

Chewing ice is at the top of our Naughty list. Why? Ice cubes can do a lot of damage to your teeth! Your tooth enamel is strong, but it’s far from indestructible. Biting down on ice cubes can lead to microscopic cracks, chips, or even fractures in your teeth, which can eventually require dental repairs such as crowns or fillings. If you already have crowns, fillings, veneers, or braces, chewing on ice can damage those, as well. If you want to stay off your Kansas City family dentist’s Naughty list andprotect your smile this holiday season, avoid chewing on ice cubes!

Using your teeth to open packages brings with it similar problems. We know that some of the packaging that your holiday gifts come in can be extremely difficult to get into, even if you’re armed with a sharp pair of scissors. No matter how frustrated you get, though, resist the temptation to use your teeth to help open those packages. Teeth aren’t made for that, and you can do some serious damage to your chompers.

Constant snacking is often part and parcel of the holiday season, and this time of year comes with more than its fair share of sugary sweets. Unfortunately, such delicacies can cling to your tooth enamel long after you’re done chewing, which increases your risk of tooth decay. Enjoy your holiday treats, but do so in moderation, and be sure that you brush and floss afterward!

Of course, the holiday offers more than just snacks, and it’s also important to avoid overdoing holiday treats that can stain enamel. Many of these are beverages such as red wine or coffee, which are not only often sugary and acidic but also contain dark colors that contribute to stained teeth. If you’re sipping on them slowly over the course of several hours at a party or family gathering, your teeth are under constant attack. If you’re going to indulge, be sure you do so mindfully.

Speaking of brushing and flossing, it’s easy to find yourself skipping your oral care routine during the holidays. Whether you’re visiting relatives for the holiday season or staying up late trying to assemble that “assembly required” gift the kids have been asking for, it’s still important to stick to your usual oral care routine. That means brushing and flossing your teeth before bedtime and making sure that the whole family does the same!

Those are a few of the big items on the Naughty list, but the good news is that your Kansas City family dentist also has a Nice list for your dental health this holiday season! It includes simple things that you can do to help take care of your smile, such as staying hydrated, choosing tooth-friendly snacks when possible, keeping up with your brushing and flossing routine even when you’re traveling, and, of course, paying a visit to your family dentist!

Happy holidays from all of us at Blacker Family Dental in Kansas City! We hope you have a holiday season full of things to smile about and that you come see us for all your dental needs! Give us a call at (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment.