09 Dec ‘Tis the Season for Tooth Decay
Dental decay is no way to end your year. Between Halloween and New Year’s Eve, there are plenty of parties, dinners, and special treats. It’s easy to get cavities during the holiday season because it’s so easy to forget to brush or indulge in candy and cookies. But since plaque can turn into tartar overnight, dental decay can set in quickly.
These tips from our dental hygienists will help you fight plaque and protect your teeth from sugar.
Five Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay During the Holidays
1. Spread out the sweets.
It’s fun to binge on the chocolates from your kid’s trick-or-treat bag, not to mention the yummy Thanksgiving pies, or the delightful winter holiday cookies. But we recommend slowing your roll and spreading the treats out. Aim for one or two sweet treats a day and chase them with a glass of water. Then follow up 15-30 minutes later with your toothbrush or some mouthwash to get the sugar off your teeth.
2. Set reminders to brush.
Sticking to a daily routine is the best way to fight plaque and tooth decay. But during the holidays it’s easy to get distracted or stay up too late. Setting reminders on your phone or smart home device can help remind you (and the whole family) that it’s time to brush.
3. Keep a toothbrush handy.
During the holidays, it’s a good idea to keep a mini oral care kit with you, especially when you’re traveling. Your kit should include some floss or floss picks, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, and some mouth rinse or breath strips. If you keep a travel kit with you in your car or your bag, you can care for your teeth or freshen your breath wherever you go.
For instance, keeping an oral care kit in your desk or locker at work can help you combat the excess amount of plaque that might be forming from all the holiday sweets everyone is sharing. And if you’re going on any holiday trips, you can just toss your travel toothcare kit into your carry-on.
4. Switch to an electric toothbrush.
While the best toothbrush is always up for debate, an electric toothbrush offers far more benefits than a manual one, which is why we recommend making the switch. An electric toothbrush removes more plaque, reaches more of the tooth surface area, and it’s easier to use.
5. Make an appointment for a cleaning.
Visiting the dentist twice a year is an important part of maintaining good oral health. Cleanings, exams, and dental x-rays help us make sure your teeth are healthy and stay that way. If you haven’t scheduled your next appointment yet, now is the time. And if you’d like an extra cleaning or a whitening treatment to brighten your smile, we can help with that, too!
Expert Dental Care in Prescott, Arizona
If you are looking for expert dental care, we have you covered. From cleanings and exams to urgent dental care to preventive treatments, we’ll help you fight tooth decay during the holidays and all year long. Contact Hicks Dental Group in Prescott to schedule an appointment today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/8/25). Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash.