The holiday season is a special time; you’re attending plenty of family gatherings, parties, and special events. But although it’s filled with lots of fun, it’s arguably the busiest time of the year. Because you have so much to do, you might be tempted to take shortcuts that can affect your oral health.
Using your teeth as tools is a common habit for many of our patients, so we wanted to remind you to practice safe holiday traditions as you make your list and check it twice.
Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy and Happy
It’s perfectly natural to want to save time when it comes to tearing tape strips or opening packages, but there are some simple things you can do to protect your teeth and avoid damaging your smile:
- You’ll be opening plenty of packages during the holiday season, so be sure to keep a pair of scissors and a box cutter in a convenient location. Opening packages with your teeth can damage the enamel and lead to pain and sensitivity.
- When you need to tear tape or remove tags and other packaging, it’s best to use scissors or a knife instead of your teeth to avoid damaging your gums.
- For cracking nuts, a nutcracker is essential. And if you’re enjoying drinks with ice, try not to crunch on the ice, as it can damage your teeth as well.
- Instead of holding your car keys or other items in your mouth, either put them in your pocket or set them down. This can prevent uneven wear and poor jaw alignment.
- The holidays can be stressful, so if you notice that you’re clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, you can practice deep breathing, do yoga, or exercise to lower your stress level. If you grind your teeth at night, contact our dental office about a mouthguard.
Looking for Quality Dental Care in Cookeville, TN?
If you’re looking for a dentist in Cookeville or the surrounding area, our team would love to speak with you! At Hall Dental Group, our goal is to provide gentle, efficient care to every patient and help you achieve a smile you’ll be proud of.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, please give us a call at (931) 528-7977.