In our last blog, we gave you some tips on keeping your smile healthy during the holidays.

Today, we dive just a little deeper into some of the unique oral health threats this season can pose for your teeth.

As always, your friends at Dr. James C. Ross are here to take great care of your teeth all year long with exceptional dental care in Novi, MI!

Don’t Let Sugar Stick Around In Your Mouth!

Cookies, homemade fudge and candy, hot cocoa, New Year’s Eve cocktails…

Is your mouth watering yet?

You’re allowed to let your hair down a little since the holidays only come around once a year, but consuming much more sugar is, of course, an oral health risk.

Practicing moderation with the sweets and sugary drinks will help you avoid tooth decay and cavities, as will daily brushing and flossing.

It’s easy to get distracted when your normal routine is off this time of year, so try to stick to your healthy habits so sugar doesn’t stick to your teeth and cause trouble!

Don’t Take Holiday Stress Out On Your Smile!

Believe it or not, it’s not just overuse, decay, or an injury that can harm your teeth.

It’s stress.

You can wear down your teeth without even realizing it, as many people do. The holidays can be hectic as much as they are fun, and when you’re not paying attention, you can carry the stress of the season in your jaw, clenching down on your teeth or grinding them together.

This can lead to dental damage like chipped or cracked teeth, which opens the door for harmful bacteria.

You may not be able to control the chaos around you, but you can be mindful of how the stress of the season might be affecting your teeth.

Don’t Use Teeth For Anything But Chewing!

It’s tempting to use your teeth as tools out of convenience. But they aren’t designed to tear open packages or to crack chestnuts you’ve roasted on an open fire.

Your teeth are for chewing, and putting demands on them to cut, slice, or tear non-food items put you at risk for dental damage and other oral health problems.

Visit Us Throughout The Year!

No matter what time of year it is, you will always need to visit your Novi dentist on a routine basis for dental cleanings and exams.

We’re here to keep your mouth clean, remove plaque from your teeth, and check to make sure your oral health is on the right track.

Visit us for your first dental checkup of the new year! Call Dr. James C. Ross today at 248-697-2487 or contact us online to schedule an appointment in Novi, MI.