It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for many people it’s also a time when they dread going to the dentist. That’s because December is the peak season for cavities! Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just attending a holiday party, there are plenty of opportunities for sugary treats that can damage your teeth. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays and avoid dreaded cavities.

Cavities: A Holiday Nightmare

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Also called tooth decay or caries, cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. These are among the world’s most common health problems. They’re especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If they aren’t treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against tooth decay.

How Do I Get Cavities?

Cavities happen when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth. Plaque feeds on sugary and starchy foods, producing acids that wear away the enamel of your teeth. Over time, this weakens the enamel and causes a hole or cavity. The holiday season may lead to more cavities because of the abundance of sugary foods, such as candy canes, chocolate and cookies.

Symptoms

Tooth decay may not cause any pain. However, if you have dental caries you might have: 

• Toothache – either continuous pain keeping you awake or occasional sharp pain without an obvious cause
• Tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet
• Grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth
• Bad breath
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth

Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy During the Holiday Season

1. Reduce your sugar intake: Try to limit your consumption of sugary treats and drinks, especially between meals. If you do indulge, try to brush your teeth soon after.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help wash away food particles and acids that contribute to tooth decay.
3. Brush twice a day: Brushing is the single most important activity you can do to prevent cavities. Make sure you brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
4. Floss daily: Flossing may be time-consuming, but it’s essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Make sure you floss every day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around the gum line.
5. Schedule a dental visit: The best way to prevent cavities is to visit your dentist regularly. During the holidays, make sure you schedule an appointment with your dentist to have a thorough checkup and cleaning.

Cavity Treatment

If you already have cavities, your dentist will likely recommend a filling to repair the damaged tooth. Fillings are used to fill in the hole that has been created in the cavity and protect it from further decay. Depending on the size of the cavity, different types of fillings may be required. Your dentist can help you determine which type of filling is best for you.

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

The holidays don’t have to mean a mouthful of cavities! With good dental hygiene habits and regular checkups, you can keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright throughout the season. So this holiday season, take care of your teeth—and give yourself the gift of a cavity-free smile!  Make an appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle today and get the peace of mind knowing your teeth are in good hands. We look forward to seeing you soon!