While it is a known fact that avoiding tooth-damaging foods is important to good dental health during the holidays, there are other aspects
that should also be considered [1]. For example, it is widely agreed that the holidays, while fun and enjoyable, can also be very stressful. That said parents should be particularly alert to children experiencing excess stress during the holiday season. This may sometimes show itself in the form of teeth grinding. If parents notice children with jaw soreness they should contact their dental care provider.
The Damage Caused To Teeth as a Result of Teeth Grinding
In some cases children may benefit from wearing a mouth guard while sleeping. This helps to reduce the chances of having seriously negative effects as related to teeth grinding. Teeth grinding is sometimes called bruxism and can ultimately result in cracked or chipped teeth in kids. In more serious cases, teeth grinding may eventually produce something known as TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. The damage caused to teeth as a result of teeth grinding is a serious concern to long-term dental health and should never be underestimated in terms of its potential to cause injury.
Foods Can Eventually Break Down the Enamel of The Tooth
Finally, along with the concerns associated with teeth grinding, as mentioned earlier making better choices when it comes to the foods that we eat during the holidays can improve dental health quite substantially. For example, it is best to refrain from eating sticky foods. Sticky foods such as candy and caramel as well as taffy and other similar kinds of foods can eventually break down the enamel of the teeth and make it more difficult to clean teeth in general [2]. By simply brushing and flossing immediately following the eating of this kind of food you can greatly reduce the chances of tooth decay [3]. Contact your Pewaukee dentist, Dr. Hamedi at Healthy Smiles Dental Care for more information.