The winter holidays are upon us once again. This is a time of fun, family, festivities, and an unfortunate degree of tooth decay. Not only does all of our binge eating and sugary seasonal sweets make our oral bacteria run wild, but the stress that all too often comes with our holiday celebrations is not conducive of a healthy mouth. Stress encourages you to grind your teeth, fosters canker sores, and inhibits your ability to fight infections.
Often times, careful planning is all it takes to make the difference between a stressful holiday and a relaxing vacation. Be mindful of your own limitations, never taking on more than you can handle. Delegate certain jobs to people you can trust, and try not to take anything too seriously. It’s the holidays, after all!
Most importantly, try to stick to your daily routine; stressful situations make it easy to neglect regular health practices like brushing and flossing. Not only should you be sure to maintain your oral hygiene for the sake of your teeth, but it’s also worth noting that adhering to your familiar patterns is a good way to reduce stress.
