Why Cavities Spike After the Holidays

As the holiday season comes to an end, many people return to normal routines, while dentists begin to see an increase in cavities. January is one of the most common times for patients to discover new tooth decay, often caused by habits that develop during the holidays.

Dr. Worrell recently visited Woodinville Montessori School, where he spoke with students about what a dentist does, how cavities form, and why teeth are just as important as arms and legs for everyday function. While explaining the basics of brushing and oral care, it was a helpful reminder that these fundamentals matter at every age, especially during busy seasons like the holidays.

Holiday Sweets and Post-Holiday Cavities

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, teeth are exposed to more sugar than usual. Frequent snacking and holiday sweets, such as candy canes, cookies, fudge, and festive desserts create the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria.

These bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that weaken tooth enamel. Over time, this leads to tooth decay that often shows up after the holidays, making January a peak month for cavity treatment.

Why Nighttime Brushing Is Critical During the Holidays

Late nights, holiday gatherings, travel, and schedule changes make it easy to skip brushing before bed. It happens, but nighttime brushing is the most important brush of the day.

When you sleep, saliva production slows down, allowing plaque and bacteria to sit on teeth for hours. Skipping nighttime brushing during the holidays increases the risk of enamel damage and cavities that may not be noticed until weeks later.

How Holiday Travel Disrupts Oral Hygiene

Travel can also interfere with daily oral care routines. Forgotten toothbrushes, late arrivals, long drives, or overnight flights can lead to skipped brushing and flossing.

When plaque isn’t removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. This is why many patients benefit from a post-holiday dental cleaning in January.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Teeth After the Holidays

The new year is the perfect time to reset your oral health habits. To help prevent cavities after the holidays:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  
• Floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth
  
• Drink water between sugary foods and drinks to wash away acids
  
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals to support saliva flow
  
• Schedule a January dental checkup to catch cavities early, and a cleaning to remove stains and tartar.

Start the New Year With a Healthy Smile

The holidays may be over, but their effects on your teeth can linger. Staying consistent with brushing and flossing and scheduling a dental visit in January can help prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems like a dental emergency.

Schedule your post-holiday dental appointment today and start the year with a healthy smile. Schedule Here.

By Maryam Zarrabi