Many of us simply don’t realize how stressed we are during the holiday season, nor how that stress impacts mental and physical health, including oral health. Most of us accept the stress of gift-giving and feelings of being overwhelmed because of the holidays as a normal part of the season. However, holiday stress doesn’t always have to take a toll on your mental health, physical health, and oral health.
At Health Centered Dentistry, we see many dental issues that arise during and just after the holiday season, some of which are caused by chronic stress. If you begin to experience any of the conditions discussed below, please contact us for an appointment.
Ready to take care of your oral health this holiday season? Reach out today and schedule an appointment.
Signs of Holiday Stress
There are many mental and physical signs that you are under too much stress. A few of these include:
- Self-care routines like oral hygiene falling by the wayside
- Not getting enough sleep
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Increased intake of sugary foods
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Muscle tension, including in the jaw muscles
- Digestive problems, nausea, and vomiting
- Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
You may have some or all of these signs that you are under more stress than usual. And it is easy to see how some of these signs can lead to the dental problems that we see during the holiday season.
Dental Problems from Oral Health Stress
Oral health is definitely affected by stress. When self-care routines like oral hygiene are ignored, there are a number of problems that can arise. When you add eating more sugary foods, bruxism, and dry mouth that can be caused by stress, dental problems are unavoidable.
Some of the dental problems that can occur include:
- gum disease from lack of or rushing brushing and flossing
- canker sores
- tooth decay from eating sugary foods and not brushing afterward
- cold sores
- periodontal disease, advanced gum disease
- jaw pain or TMJ disorders from teeth grinding
- tooth damage from hard candies
If you experience any of these dental problems, tooth pain, or bleeding gums, it is important to visit a dentist right away. Especially when it comes to gum disease, early detection and treatment is vitally important for keeping it from becoming a more severe periodontal disease. A holistic dentist will also incorporate stress relief techniques in their treatment plans.
How to Reduce Stress During the Holidays
There are many ways that one can manage stress. Stress levels can easily be brought down simply by focusing on having a wonderful time rather than all the to-dos that lead to it.
Using a to do list app can also help manage stress. Break up larger tasks into smaller steps to make them more manageable. You can also use the app to remind you to do things like brush and floss your teeth to avoid gum disease and tooth decay. Schedule time for self-care activities as well. This includes eating healthy, getting exercise, and taking downtime.
You can also make a budget so that spending money doesn’t add to your stress levels. Take time off from work if you can, as this will give you more time to prepare for the holidays. Going outside even for brief periods can also boost mood and provide stress relief.
Here are some additional ways you can decrease stress during the holidays:
- deep breathing exercises
- progressive muscle relaxation
- connect with others
- use mindfulness techniques
- get enough sleep
- maintain a healthy diet
- make time for relaxing hobbies like reading
- meditation or yoga
Decreasing stress during the holidays is really about taking time for yourself. It is important that you take the time to care for your overall health during this busy time. That might include watching what you eat or talking to a therapist. It may also mean a trip to your local dentist.
Oral Health Tips for the Holidays
There are a number of things you can do to improve your oral health during the holiday season. Some of these tips are important year-round, but often habits change during the stress of the holidays.
- brush at least twice per day, and about 30 minutes after a big meal
- floss once per day to avoid gum disease
- rinse your mouth with water and chew sugar-free gum after eating sugary foods
- eat fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet
- avoid hard or sticky foods, or brush soon afterward
- avoid using teeth to open packages
You should also schedule a dental cleaning for after the holidays. The dentist will be able to get your teeth and gums in better shape than you can do on your own, and this is especially important after the sticky foods and drinks that everyone enjoys during the holidays.
Dental Treatments Around the Holidays
In spite of taking precautions, it is possible that you might have oral health problems during the holidays. Health Centered Dentistry is here to help. At our comfortable offices, you will meet with a dentist who is knowledgeable, friendly, and approaches treatment in a holistic way. Holistic dentists incorporate stress relief techniques in their treatment plans as well.
Cavities are common around the holiday season because of all the sugary, sticky treats we love to consume during this time of year. Cavities can be cleared of tooth decay and filled in most cases. Another common problem is tooth damage from trying to open packages or eat hard candies and treats like peanut brittle. Sometimes the tooth can be saved with a crown or other interventions.
Gum disease and periodontal disease are treated in similar ways. Scaling is a procedure in which debris and buildup are removed from around the teeth and the bed of the gums. Root planing may also be necessary, in which the roots of the teeth are smoothed to avoid future buildup and bacteria as well as allow gums to reattach to teeth again.
Bruxism can be relieved with a custom-fit night guard. Wearing the mouth guard will keep you from grinding your teeth and causing damage to the teeth and jaw.
Visit Health Centered Dentistry this Holiday Season
Of course, the best way to protect your overall health during the holidays is to take prevention measures, such as visiting your doctor and dentist for a checkup. Whether you schedule your cleaning and checkup before or after the holidays, it’s important to not miss this important end-of-the-year step.
It is also important to visit your dentist as soon as you notice an issue rather than waiting until after the holidays. Even though it might seem to add to the stress of the season to have an appointment during these months, dental problems can become worse if they aren’t treated promptly.
Health Centered Dentistry is here for you and your family during the holiday season. While our offices may be closed on some holidays themselves, we are open throughout the season to address prevention and treatment. Our dentists have a holistic approach that takes into account the stress you are under and incorporates stress relief techniques in their treatment plans.
Take control of your oral health this holiday season and contact us today to schedule an appointment.
