The Holiday Stress And Oral Health 

Holidays are supposed to be fun! But what if you have holiday stress? What happens to your oral health? 

Don’t let the holiday stress take a toll on your oral health. It requires patience, but you must take care of yourself during the holidays. 

If there are underlying medical concerns or oral health issues, talk to your healthcare professional and dentist about it. 

The information here is for discussion. It’s not a medical advice. 

Read on for more information. 

Tips to Take Care of Oral Health During Holiday Stress 

If you are stressed about the holidays, it’s best to take your time and manage your situation. There could be many reasons causing all the worry and stress. For example, the holidays could be overwhelming. You didn’t expect the holidays to be so expensive. 

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh

There are new people in a new place, and you aren’t aware of the language. And so much more! Or it could be the stress of the upcoming holiday season, and you find yourself stressed during this time because of all the people you will meet and the food you’ll eat! You have pressure to manage everything and be perfect at all times, which causes you to be more upset rather than look forward to the holidays! 

Amidst all the chaos and the hustle and bustle of life, you may forget to take great care of your oral health! It’s understandable but shouldn’t be ignored for long. 

Consider the following: 

• Make sure, no matter what, you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, even during the holiday season. It could be late in the night or too early in the morning. It’s easy to let go of your oral health during such times, but it’s best to make a routine and stick to it. Make sure you follow the ritual of brushing your teeth! There has to be no excuse at all. 
• Keep yourself accountable for taking care of your oral hygiene. Talk to your spouse and even to your kids about it. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Encourage everyone to take care of the oral hygiene. When you work for better oral health together, it will be easier! 
• Carry your favorite toothbrush and also the ones for your kids. If your kids feel comfortable with specific colors or characters, make sure you are packing the toothbrushes if you travel to a new place. You can also look into bamboo toothbrushes as it’s environmentally friendly. 
• When you feel like ignoring oral health or when kids do the same, it’s best to remind each other what happens if you are not serious about oral hygiene. Cavities, plaque, yellow teeth, and the possibilities are endless. Take care of your teeth if you want to take care of yourself! 
• Focus on a diet that’s suitable for your oral health. In the new place, eating chocolates, sweets, and whatnot is easy. However, sticking to a diet that helps provide nourishment is better! 
• Keep your dentist and healthcare provider in the loop when you travel. Let them know about your oral health. It’s best to go for professional cleaning of the teeth once you are back from the holidays. There could be stains on your teeth, and professional cleaning can go a long way! 
• The holiday season can be overwhelming. Even if you are staying at the same place and hosting, still go for the professional cleaning of your teeth after the season. 

What works for one person may not work for the other! So, if you develop cavities or if there is toothache during the holidays, find a local dentist or clinic with good reviews. It’s best to get your teeth checked and not take any chances, especially if you have throbbing pain. If you can get hold of your dentist, it’s even better! However, bear in mind that holidays are busy and everyone is doing something during this time of the year. 

FAQs 

Is it okay to ignore oral health during holidays? 

It’s not good to ignore your oral health at any time, whether it’s the holidays or any other time of the month or year. Holidays are fun, but vacations and the upcoming holiday season can take a toll on your oral health. Make sure you are taking care of oral hygiene. 

What could be the reason for stress during holidays? 

There are many reasons causing the stress and worry during the holidays. This time of the month is busy, and people want to take holidays. The pressure to do their best and be there for the families can be overwhelming. The holiday season can be expensive, too, as there would be gifting and so much more. During this time, it’s also vital to keep your health in check as there is lots of food to eat and so many parties to attend. 

How can I manage my oral health during holidays if I travel? 

If you are visiting your parents or extended family during the holidays, it would be vital to keep your oral health in check. It’s easy to ignore your oral hygiene when you travel, but ensuring that you pack the toothbrush and arrange the toothpaste can be great for your teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. It’s only a matter of two minutes, but it would be excellent for your oral health. Floss your teeth and talk to your dentist about your options.

Wrapping It Up 

The holiday stress means that your oral health is easy to ignore! However, you must focus on your oral hygiene and keep your oral health in check. Talk to your dentist about it if you find yourself ignoring oral health or not taking it seriously. If you spot cavities or any other issues, make sure to book an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. After all, your oral health matters during, after, and before the holidays! So, take care of yourself. 

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