The fun, food, and cheer of the holiday season are behind us. Now, we look ahead to a new year. Wherever you are with your oral health journey, now is the perfect time to schedule your first dental visit of the new year. However, you may be wondering why this post-holiday dental checkup is so important. We wanted to share a few reasons why your cleaning and exam is the perfect way to kick off 2024.
1. Address the Impact of Festive Foods and Drinks
Certain foods during the holidays take a toll on your smile. Sticky candies, desserts, and acidic drinks like champagne, can put your teeth at risk. All that sugar and acid can lead to new cavities. A quick checkup will determine if your enamel has any trouble spots. If we spot a cavity or more serious dental damage, we can restore your smile to its former glory.
2. Get Rid of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
It’s common for more plaque and tartar to build up during hectic holiday schedules, especially if you overindulge or skip your regular brushing and flossing routine. As a result, you may have some hardened tartar that requires our professional equipment to remove. Simple brushing won’t remove it! Our thorough cleaning will give you a fresh start for your oral hygiene. We can also share some tips on how you can improve your at-home routine.
3. Alleviate Dry Mouth Woes
Frequent snacking and drinking alcohol can increase your risk of dry mouth. Certain medications and using your heater can worsen it, too. Unfortunately, you aren’t washing away the bacteria from your mouth without enough saliva production. This can result in a variety of dental problems. If you bring up dry mouth issues during your checkup, your dentist can recommend products for you to use at home. We’ll also discuss other symptoms you are experiencing, as sleep apnea can lead to dry mouth.
4. Discuss Any Cosmetic Goals
After seeing friends and family over the holidays, your stained, chipped, or otherwise imperfect teeth may feel more obvious now. Schedule an appointment to talk to us about options like veneers, tooth bonding, or teeth whitening. Many of our cosmetic solutions can begin during your checkup. Simply bring up the changes you want to see in the mirror, and we’ll discuss our available cosmetic solutions.
5. Evaluate Effects of Stress and Clenching
The hustle and bustle of holidays can heighten your stress and anxiety levels. Many patients unconsciously clench or grind their teeth during tense times or lifestyle changes. Sometimes this happens without you even knowing. Pay attention to sore jaw muscles, frequent headaches, and sensitive teeth. If you spot those signs, you should come in for an appointment. We can create a custom bite guard you wear while you sleep. It prevents further wear and tear and relieves pressure from your jaw. Plus, we can address any damage to your teeth with restorative solutions.
Our goal is to keep your mouth healthy and smile looking its best in the new year. Call today to schedule your post-holiday dental checkup. Call Contemporary Dentistry and Implantology at 978-278-1760 to or contact us request an appointment online for an appointment in Peabody, MA.