Avoid tooth damage and decay caused by wine, sweets and stress by making oral health a priority.

This busy holiday season may disrupt many people's daily routines, but at this time of year it is especially important to remember to look after your teeth. 

"Holiday gatherings tend to lead people to consume sugary treats and drink alcoholic beverages more than usual," Dr. Firas Nassif, Owner of Dental Designs of Roseville notes.

"Additionally, with their busy schedules and increased stress levels, I've seen that my patients' oral hygiene suffers. They forget the most basic of oral hygiene tasks that can counteract the effects of sugary snacks and drinks," he pointed out.

Nassif offers suggestions on a number of ways to protect your teeth during the holiday season.

Wine contains high levels of acidity and can degrade the enamel in your teeth. To reduce the risk of damage from drinking red and white wines refrain from swishing wine around in your mouth and drink water between glasses of wine to rinse acid from your teeth.

While holiday goodies such as cookies, chocolate, candy canes, and toffee are tempting, the sugar in them promotes the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. If you can't brush or floss after eating sweet treats, drink water or chew a piece of sugarless gum, which will increase saliva flow and help wash away the bacteria. Avoid eating too much candy as this buffet of sweets can wreak havoc on your teeth.

Still, you don't have to skip holiday treats. "Eat a single dessert and brush your teeth afterward," Nassif says. "You'll expose your teeth to less sugar [with a single treat] than if you're constantly snacking, and that reduces the risk of tooth decay."

Snack smart. Use a nutcracker, not your teeth, to shell nuts. No nutcracker? Choose a different snack. "One poor decision can cause a lot of painful and expensive damage," Nassif says. "Is it worth it to break a tooth for a nut?"

Holiday stress can cause some people to grind or clench their teeth, potentially resulting in chipped teeth, jaw pain and headaches.

"Finding ways to alleviate your anxiety can help, but it's also important to see your dentist, who can recommend solutions such as a custom night guard," Nassif said. "Wearing one at night will prevent you from taking out the holiday stress on your teeth while you sleep."

Finally, honor appointments. Skipping a dental exam could get you on the naughty list. "It's much better to catch problems now and not put them off until the new year”.

If your 6-month checkup falls during the holidays, consider it a celebration of good oral health -- and a holiday gift to yourself.

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