December is the perfect time to see your dentist in Kittanning. Waiting times are shorter and there’s no better gift you can give yourself than healthy teeth and gums. Plus, an oral exam can catch problems before they turn into painful toothaches or even worse.
The Holidays and Healthy Teeth Go Hand-in-Hand
For most of us, December is all about gift giving, holiday parties, and spending time with loved ones. Still, there’s something to be said for taking time now for a dental exam. Here are three reasons why:
- If you’re like most of us, then you would rather do almost anything than sit in a waiting room. After all, reading the same magazine over and over does get old. Why not schedule your next visit for a time when your wait is likely to be shorter?
- Not only may you have a shorter time in the waiting room, the staff members themselves might very well have more time to tend to your dental care needs.
- Knowing that you got your exam out of the way will help you to focus on enjoying holiday festivities, while getting a head start on your 2019 resolutions.
Other Tooth-Friendly Holiday Tips to Keep in Mind
The holidays are that special season when we enjoy those little indulgence we spend the rest of the year denying ourselves; and why not? We all deserve a little celebration after making it through another year. But keep those festivities on the tooth-friendly side of things by remembering these tips:
- Brush at least twice daily and floss at least once per day. These habits are the foundation of good dental health.
- Drink plenty of water. Not only will it keep you hydrated, it will help your body to produce saliva, which plays an important role in preventing cavities.
- Snack smart by opting for sugar-free goodies. There are plenty of delicious products on the market that use non-sugar sweeteners.
- If you’ll be on the road for the holidays, remember to bring along a spare toothbrush and a travel-sized tube of toothpaste. You may also want to bring a small bottle of mouthwash or dental rinse.
- Eat your dessert at the same time as your main meal. This will save your teeth from getting hit with a sugar overdose.
As you go into the new year, remember to schedule dental appointments for yourself and your family members. A good rule of thumb is to see the dentist every six months for a complete exam and cleaning. Many people tie their semi-annual visits to the seasons. The weather serves as a timely reminder to get those teeth and gums checked out.
If you don’t currently have a family dentist, then simply do an online search using the term “dentist near me.” You’ll find a local office. You can also ask family, friends, or co-workers to recommend a provider.
Make this holiday season the year when you give yourself the gift of healthier teeth and gums. The small amount of time you put forth will pay for itself many times over, as you go into 2019 knowing that you’ve done something positive for yourself. We wish you and yours a happy and prosperous new year.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has been practicing dentistry here in Kittanning since 1980. He’s a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and a proud member of the American Dental Association (ADA). You can reach his office online or by calling (724) 954-3650.