Between the caroling, the family get-togethers, and holiday parties, the last thing you should have to deal with during the “most wonderful time of the year” is a dental disaster.

But with great preventative dentistry from Bell Dental Care — and a little care on your end as well — you can avoid dental mishaps and enjoy want you love about the holiday season without worry.

Read on for some ways you can keep your teeth healthy during the holiday season. Then, give us a call to schedule routine checkups and cleanings to keep your teeth and gums in great shape all year round! Our Cincinnati, OH office is happy to provide top-notch patient-centered dental care for the entire family. Call us at 513-802-9440 to schedule an appointment.

1. Don’t Open Presents Or Bottles With Your Teeth.

You probably do it without even thinking about it. A stubborn knot is keeping you from the inner contents of a gift-wrapped package. Surely your teeth will help you remove the ribbon, right?

Wrong.

Using your teeth in ways they’re not intended to be used — like loosening knots, prying open bottles, and cracking walnuts — is one of the easiest ways to chip, crack, or break a tooth. Damaging the hard outer part of your tooth can leave the nerve-filled inner parts of your tooth vulnerable to infection. Ouch!

If you do break a tooth this holiday season, Bell Dental Care can restore your tooth with a dental crown. A dental crown is a “cap” that completely covers a damaged tooth to restore its health, appearance, and function. And if your broken tooth has become infected, we might be able to eradicate the infection and save the tooth with a root canal procedure.

Plus, we can do all of this comfortably, thanks to our computer-assisted anesthesia delivery system and dental sedation options.

2. Avoid Stocking Stuffers That Are Problematic For Your Smile.

If you’re trying to maintain great dental health throughout the holiday season, it’s probably a good idea to resist the urge to fill your child’s stocking with jawbreakers and other problematic sweets.

Hard candies can spell disaster for little teeth. One accidental bite into a hard mint or lollipop can crack or chip a tooth.

You should also steer clear of sticky candies like taffy or caramel. These sugar-filled substances easily become lodged in the grooves and crevices of teeth, making them difficult to remove.

When sugary debris is left on your teeth, it attracts all sorts of bacteria. The bacteria feast on the particles, producing a weak acid that causes tooth decay and cavities.

What are some smile-friendly alternatives?

Chocolate is a great choice because it’s less likely to cause damage to your teeth. Dark chocolate is an even better choice than milk chocolate or white chocolate because it’s rich in antioxidants!

You can also opt for sugar-free chewing gum. Look for brands and flavors that have earned the American Dental Association’s Seal Of Approval. These choices have actually demonstrated an ability to protect your teeth.

3. Don’t Ditch Your Brushing And Flossing Routines.

Amid the excitement of the season, it can be easy to skip the brushing and flossing. But as the year draws to a close, when you’re most likely eating more gingerbread cookies and candy canes than any other time of year, it’s important to maintain proper dental hygiene habits.

You and your family members should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Need help getting your full two minutes? Turn on the radio and listen to a favorite holiday tune while you clean your teeth.

When it comes to helping your kids develop great brushing habits, brushing together as a family allows your kids to see that dental care is important to you and sets a great example. Use just a small amount of toothpaste for children under the age of 3 — an amount about the size of a grain of rice should be sufficient. Children older than 3 years old should use a smear of toothpaste about the size of a pea.

And great dental hygiene doesn’t stop at brushing. Make sure to floss once a day! Flossing has been shown to be an effective way to prevent gum disease. As soon as children have two teeth that touch, you should help them clean in between them. Once a child is about 10 years old, they should be able to thoroughly floss their teeth on their own.

Trust Bell Dental Group For Great Family Care

One of the best ways to lessen your chances of gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental complications is to partner with a highly skilled team of dental professionals!

At Bell Dental Group, we take pride in offering high-quality dental care for the whole family in a comfortable environment. Schedule an appointment and experience the difference for yourself! Call us at 513-802-9440 , or fill out our convenient online form.