The holidays are supposed to be a time for joy, family, and festive fun—but they can also bring plenty of stress. Between shopping, party planning, and seemingly endless to-do lists, your oral health might be the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, holiday stress doesn’t take a day off and its effects won’t stop where your smile begins! Read on to learn how stress impacts your oral health and what you can do to protect your smile this season!
Grinding and Clenching
Stress often triggers habits like teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching, especially during sleep. Over time, these habits can wear down your enamel, cause jaw pain, and even lead to cracked or chipped teeth! If you wake up with headaches or a sore jaw, the “huff of the holidays” might be to blame.
To reduce the impact of bruxism, you can try relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga before bed. However, if it begins affecting your teeth, it’s best to see your dentist and receive a custom nightguard.
Skipping Out on Oral Health Care
With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, sometimes it can be tempting to just skip your nightly oral care routine and go to bed. However, skipping regular brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease—especially if it becomes a habit.
Make oral hygiene non-negotiable! Keep travel-sized toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss handy for busy shopping days. You can also set reminders if needed to stick to your twice-a-day brushing and once-a-day flossing routine.
Overloading on Sweets
Holiday treats like cookies, candy canes, and hot cocoa are everywhere this time of year, and stress can trigger comfort food cravings. While they’re delicious, sugary snacks fuel bacteria in your mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and enamel erosion.
While overindulging isn’t great for your smile, you can still enjoy these treats in moderation. Just remember to rinse your mouth with water afterward if brushing isn’t possible right away. Your teeth will thank you when you’re not sitting in your dentist’s office later!
Stressing and Gum Health
Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off gum infections like gingivitis. If you notice swollen or bleeding gums during the holidays when they’re normally perfectly pink, it could be stress!
To get your gums back to normal, prioritize self-care. Getting enough sleep, taking time to decompress, and eating fresh foods are all great ways to keep your body, and by extension—your gums, feeling great!
The holidays don’t have to wreak havoc on your oral health. By taking care of yourself and managing stress, you can keep your smile merry and bright. If holiday stress has already taken a toll on your teeth or gums, don’t wait—schedule a visit with your dentist before the holidays take up your time.
About the Practice
At Dental Partners of Newburyport, we’re here to keep your smile healthy year-round, no matter how busy life gets. Our team offers expert guidance and treatments to help you manage stress and maintain great oral health—even during the holidays. Call (978) 465-5358 to schedule an appointment with our jolly team, or visit our website to explore other services.