After the parties and gatherings that dominate the Holiday and New Year's season, homes across the country are now experiencing a glut in relatively damaging substances to dental and oral health.
From leftover bottles of mid-priced liquor to the last few tins of your Aunt's famous chocolate chip cookies, there are more sweets and unhealthy substances packed into homes during the final and first months of the year than any other time.
The problem becomes limiting.
The Holidays themselves are a time for relaxation, and maybe even a little excess; but when it's time to go back to school and work, what steps can a dental health minded individual take to protect their smile and their loved ones'.
The following are a list of many of the common dangers to oral hygiene that flourish during the holidays and eventually accumulate in your food stores afterwards, and how to consume them responsibly so that you're not afraid for the year's first family dentist appointment.
Cookies Everyone has that family member or neighbor who year after year will churn out enough sugary and chocolate filled morsels to feed the entire town.
After the holidays, piles of cookies will remain; silent temptations to be picked up and devoured until the supply finally dwindles and your teeth ache with delight.
Freeze extra cookies to be enjoyed throughout the year, or keep cookies that last in tins and boxes rather than out in the open; out of sight, out of mind.
If you can't help yourself, immediately brush your teeth afterwards.
There is no substitute for a thorough cleaning.
If that is not possible, drink cold water or chew a piece or sugar-free gum; it will stimulate saliva and help wash away cavity causing bacteria that is fed by sugar.
Candy When it comes to candy, avoid anything that is especially sticky or hard.
Biting into hard candies and the like could potentially damage the structural integrity of teeth, causing chips or even full breakages.
Floss extra long to get the sugar out from in between teeth, and brush often.
The direct jolt of sugar in candy can lead to gingivitis and cavities in shockingly short periods of time.
Plaque will also liberally build in an excess of sugar, resulting in teeth whitening practices.
If it cannot be avoided, fight back aggressively by maintaining your oral health with active preventative means.
Also, avoid giving excessive amount of sticky and hard candy to children.
This will pay off for them when they visit the children's dentist as children are more prone to cavities, and less likely to understand moderation when piles of candy are still lying around.
Alcohol The biggest danger in terms of alcohol is the acidity, especially when consuming wine.
No matter what your self-appointed sommelier of a brother says, refrain from overly swishing the wine around your mouth when consuming; if you're concerned about preserving dental health.
The acid in wine will burn the protective enamel of your teeth, it's best to protect it in any way you can.
Drink a glass of water in between each glass of wine or cocktail as well.
It will not only keep you hydrated but will wash away the acids in your teeth and rinse your mouth of sugars.
The overall rule for safely finishing off the excesses of the Holidays is moderation and active prevention.
Consumption in excess may be a little more accepted during the holiday season; but when the holidays are over, good habits and moderation are the only things that will prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Make the right choice so you can walk into the dental office with your head held high at your next appointment.