EN 
ES Dr. Arabella Michelén
The end of the year is approaching with all its joy: family celebrations, gatherings with friends, special dinners, trips, toasts, and days off that allow us to disconnect a little from our routine, give thanks for what we've experienced, and organize our goals for 2026. It's an anticipated, necessary, and emotional season, but...It can also become a time when we neglect our health, especially our oral health. Changes in schedules, increased consumption of sweets, alcoholic and carbonated beverages, and sticky foods, combined with changes in daily routines, are a dangerous combination that can leave you with a New Year's surprise: cavities, periodontal disease, or a dental emergency that could have been avoided. Before you raise your glass and toast to the new year, remember that your smile also needs protection.
During holidays, it's easy to fall into the trap of saying, "I'll do it tomorrow," but plaque, or biofilm, doesn't rest. Brushing at night is vital; acids work for hours, weakening tooth enamel. Nighttime hygiene is essential, whether you're at home or not, and whether you have your supplies with you or not. If you're going out, take a small kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Children also need extra help: after a certain level of tiredness, they go straight to bed and, without supervision, can sleep with accumulated candy residue. Their nighttime hygiene should be supervised; if they are under eight years old, they don't yet have the dexterity to clean each tooth individually.
Part of the festive magic lies in the food and drinks: chocolates, nougat, cookies, traditional sweets, candied fruits, raisins, and seasonal desserts. It's not about prohibitions, but about awareness. The problem isn't the sweets themselves, but the frequency. If you spend hours snacking on desserts and drinks, each prolonged exposure keeps your mouth in a continuous state of acidity. It's best to consume sweets at a single time of day and drink them with water, avoiding overly sticky foods that get stuck between your teeth. Remember that sleeping after consuming sugar is one of the main causes of early childhood caries, especially in children.
It's important to try to finish all dental treatments that have been started and that can be completed to prevent complications, pain, and infections. Remember that oral health is an essential part of overall health. Here are some simple but very useful and effective preventative measures: in addition to carrying an oral hygiene kit, those who use removable dentures or aligners should always keep them in their case and not wrap them in napkins, as this will end up in the trash. If you travel, bring pain relievers prescribed by your doctor or dentist, and if you wear braces, pack orthodontic wax for any discomfort.
Hydration is a powerful ally. Drinking enough water helps flush out food particles, neutralize acids, and promote saliva production. It may sound simple, but in the midst of celebrations, we often forget the essentials. The same is true for child safety: December is one of the months with the highest number of accidents and dental fractures; supervision tends to decrease, and adrenaline levels rise. Establishing simple rules goes a long way toward prevention.
Enjoying yourself doesn't have to mean sacrificing oral hygiene. You can toast, eat, laugh, and dance without putting your teeth at unnecessary risk. The key is to maintain basic habits, use essential hygiene tools, and be mindful of what happens in your mouth when you relax too much. When you return to your routine, don't forget something fundamental: preventive dentistry is the best investment. A professional cleaning, a gum checkup, a fluoride application, or an X-ray at the beginning of the year can prevent more complex treatments. .
Many people postpone dental work due to fear, lack of time, or because they believe that "if it doesn't hurt, nothing is wrong," but the reality is that dental problems often progress silently.
Just as we make New Year's resolutions for health, family, financial goals, or emotional well-being, let's add one more: prevent illness in time, for yourself and your loved ones.
Happy and prosperous 2026.
https://hoy.com.do/opinion/tips-cuidar-salud-oral-feriado-ano_1070784.html