Tips for a Healthy Holiday Smile

The holidays are almost here and so is all the hustle and bustle and the festivities that comes with them. The last thing you want is a dental emergency which detracts from spending quality time with your family and loved ones.

Eating more hard-to-chew, sugary treats than usual could result in unexpected outcomes like broken or missing teeth. Here are some great tips on what a dental emergency looks like and how to keep your family drama-free from the drama this holiday season.

• KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH: Time is of the essence. If the tooth is still intact, there is a good chance of salvaging it and returning it to its space.
• BROKEN OR CHIPPED TOOTH: This will likely impact your speech and ability to chew. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, grab an ice pack, and head straight to SIGNATURE SMILE GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY.
• SEVERE TOOTHACHE: If you or a family member are experiencing pain in a tooth to that degree that it is distracting you from your normal routine and enjoying the holidays, it’s time to see us as soon as possible by SCHEDULING an appointment. You can take some over the counter medication to reduce the swelling in the meantime.
• DISLODGED CROWN: If your crown comes off, try to find it immediately. If available, a dental adhesive cam help to hold it in place temporarily until you are able to see DR. TROGAN. 

The most important key in any of the above situations is to stay calm if they should happen. Having a clear head can help you and your family navigate through a dental emergency and make it to Dr. Trogan quickly for professional assistance.

SCHEDULE AN END OF THE YEAR DENTAL CHECKUP

One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re maintaining healthy smiles all year long is to schedule at least two dental checkups every year. If one of your checkups isn’t currently planned during or right after the holidays, talk to us about adjusting your dental checkup schedule next year.

MAKE THE TIME FOR GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

We know the holidays are a busy time of the year, but it’s important to take the time you need to clean your smile during the holidays. Make sure you’re brushing for at least two minutes at a time twice a day and flossing daily. You might also want to brush your teeth or use an antimicrobial mouth rinse between meals, especially if your holiday menus contain large amounts of sugary and acidic foods.

CONSUME HOLIDAY TREATS IN MODERATION

A lot of people sip on an acidic drinks or snack on sweet treats throughout the day. Instead, limit your consumption of these potentially damaging items to meal times or consume them within half an hour. The longer teeth are exposed to the acid attack that occurs while people are eating, the more enamel erosion and potential for decay.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Water is essential to maintaining healthy whole body function, so drinking plenty of water will help you stay healthy year round. At the holidays, following up sweets or sugary and acidic drinks with a glass of water is a great way to limit exposure to potentially damaging food acids or plaque buildup. If you don’t have time to brush between every meal or snack, rinsing your mouth out with water will help limit plaque buildup.

Signature Smile Dental

Dr. Inna Trogan is a recognized expert in cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, and general dentistry. Dr. Trogan is designated as America's Best Dentist 2021 and is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association, Dr. Trogan continuously stays up-to-date on the latest state-of-the-art technologies and advances in dentistry. She takes personal pride in providing courteous and high quality professional treatment for all of her patients’ dental care needs.

Our dentists have served the residents of Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, DUMBO, and all of our other surrounding communities for years. They can be reached by phone, 718.246.5677 or at their office in 100 Pineapple Walk, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201. You can also book an appointment online.