The holidays are often the busiest time of the year for many people. From gatherings, buying gifts, and your normal routine, it may seem like you don’t have a second to relax and take time for yourself! The stress you feel because of the hustle and bustle may seem like frustration that’ll pass with the new year, but it can have a real impact on your oral health in the moment. Keep reading to learn how and what you can do to protect your smile.
How Does Holiday Stress Affect My Smile?
No matter if you are looking forward to this season or not, everyone likely feels some amount of stress about it. This can manifest in your grin in a couple of different ways, such as:
- Teeth Grinding or Clenching: This habit is known as bruxism, and it’s one of the most common ways this feeling affects a smile. When you do it, you put your teeth under excess pressure, which can lead to increased wear and tear. Your jaw may also become sore, or you might have a headache because of it.
- Dry Mouth: Your mouth produces less saliva when you are experiencing this feeling. You won’t be able to wash away harmful bacteria or neutralize acids on your teeth as effectively. Eventually, it can lead to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Canker Sores: These are small, white bumps with red, raised borders. They are often painful but can go away on their own after a week or so. While they may be uncomfortable, they are generally nothing to worry about.
What Can I Do to Protect My Oral Health?
Although the holiday stress you may feel is temporary for the season, you should still do your part in avoiding all of the things above. Doing so will help you avoid any oral health issues that can make enjoying time with your loved ones just a little bit harder. For instance, you can get a nightguard to help fight against bruxism. This is a handy oral appliance that acts like a barrier for your teeth while you sleep.
You should keep up with brushing and flossing twice a day as well. These simple acts help remove bacteria on and between your teeth, greatly reducing your risk of oral health issues. To ensure your smile is the best it can be, checkups and cleanings with your dentist can help safeguard your grin further. They are trained to watch for signs of dental problems and treat them before they get any bigger. That way, you can feel confident that the holidays’ lasting impacts are all positive, and you can enjoy the season a bit more.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Tadros earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. He is happy to help the Dallas community feel their best about their oral health through preventive care. By heading to his office every six months, Dr. Tadros can find oral health issues while they are minor and fix them before they become a headache to deal with. If it’s time for your next semi-annual visit, schedule an appointment or call his office at (469) 917-7444.