Few dental treatments have the reputation that root canals do. The term alone can cause anxiety—but the truth is, root canals are highly effective procedures that save natural teeth and relieve pain. At Northgate Dental in Colorado Springs, Dr. Carter focuses on prevention, but when a root canal is neThe holiday season is officially here—and with it comes family gatherings, festive meals, sweet treats, travel, and a nonstop schedule. While this time of year is filled with joy, it’s also one of the most challenging times for your teeth and gums. Between sugary desserts, extra snacking, stress, and changes to your daily routine, your smile can take a hit if you’re not careful.
At Northgate Dental, we want you to enjoy every moment of the season and greet the new year with a healthy, confident smile. Here’s what to keep in mind as you move through November and December.
1. Beware of Holiday Sweets (But Still Enjoy Them!)
Pumpkin pie, peppermint bark, sugar cookies, holiday cocktails—sweets are everywhere this time of year. You don’t need to skip them entirely, but a little strategy goes a long way.
Smarter holiday sweet habits:
- Enjoy treats with meals instead of snacking on them throughout the day.
- Drink water after sweets to help rinse sugars and acids away.
- Choose chocolate over sticky candies—caramels and taffy cling to teeth longer.
- Keep gum on hand (sugar-free!) to help stimulate saliva between events.
Your teeth don’t mind a little celebrating—they just don’t love constant sugar exposure.
2. Protect Your Smile During Travel
Many families travel for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and travel routines can sometimes push oral care to the background. Before you leave home, put together a simple travel dental kit:
- A toothbrush with a protective cover
- Travel-sized toothpaste and floss
- A small bottle of mouth rinse
- A retainer or night guard case if you wear one
Travel-friendly tip: If you forget your toothbrush, rinse with water and use a clean, damp washcloth to gently wipe plaque off your teeth until you can grab a replacement. It’s not perfect—but it’s better than skipping care entirely.
3. Watch Out for Dental Emergencies
Holiday mishaps happen—biting down on a hard candy cane, cracking a tooth on a popcorn kernel, or losing a filling while traveling.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid chewing ice, even if it’s in your holiday cocktail.
- Don’t bite nuts in their shells.
- Use scissors, not your teeth, to open presents or packages.
If an emergency does happen, Running Creek Dental is here for you. Try to save the broken piece if possible, avoid chewing on the affected side, and reach out to the office as soon as you return home.
4. Don’t Let Stress Wear Down Your Smile
As joyful as the holidays are, they can also be stressful—travel, gatherings, hosting, year-end deadlines, and constant activity. Many people grind or clench their teeth more during November and December without realizing it.
Signs you may be clenching more than usual:
- Jaw soreness
- Tension headaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Waking up with jaw tightness
If you wear a night guard, the holidays are not the time to forget it. Consistency protects your teeth from wear and cracking, especially during high-stress weeks.
5. Keep Up with Your Daily Routine (Even When Days Are Busy)
Between holiday shopping, family events, school breaks, and travel, hygiene routines can easily slip. But sticking to basics makes the biggest difference:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss before bed
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid constant grazing
These small steps help keep plaque under control and reduce inflammation during the most sugar-heavy time of the year.
6. Give Yourself the Gift of a Clean Start for the New Year
November and December are great months to schedule a cleaning—especially if you haven’t had one this year or if your benefits reset in January.
A professional cleaning:
- Removes buildup brushing can’t reach
- Freshens your breath for holiday gatherings
- Gives your gums a boost before the new year
- Helps catch early issues before they become bigger problems
It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your smile bright and healthy through the holidays and into 2025.
Final Thoughts
The season is about joy, connection, laughter, and celebration—your smile should be part of that. With a few simple habits and a little awareness, you can enjoy all your favorite foods and moments without sacrificing your dental health.
Northgate Dental is here to support you through every season of life. If you need a pre-holiday cleaning, a check-in after traveling, or help with sensitivity or discomfort, their team is ready to make sure your smile stays strong, comfortable, and confident.