5 Dental Tips for a Safe Holi by Dr. Vikash Kumar from PDC

Holi is the most awaited festival of the year, bearing intense religious significance. It’s time to rejoice in colors, enjoy delicacies, and simultaneously save yourself from the harsh effects of colors or any injury. When it comes to dental protection, most of us ignore the dental safety tips for Holi, resulting in dislodged teeth, broken crowns, or serious injury from dental implant treatments (if done recently).
Any negligence can land you in an unexpected emergency, thus ruining your colorful mood for celebrations. If you’re the one with a recent dental surgery like crowning, denturing, or extraction, here’s a list of five dental tips for a safer Holi that one should follow for healthy teeth and refrain from any painful dental accidents.

Oil pulling, Flossing and Mouthwash:
Oil pulling dates back to 5000 years as a medicinal treatment to prevent tooth decay, bleeding gums, and bad breath. Also, flossing and using mouthwash regularly saves you from plaque and gum problems. During festivities like Holi, where color creates a mess, take it as a statutory warning to floss, oil pull, and rinse your mouth with a mint-flavored mouthwash. From protection to freshness, these three dental activities will save you for a longer term. Dentists recommend they practice twice a day. They also serve as immediate tips to get relief from toothache, making your celebration smile perfectly..

Avoid a Removable Appliance:
In the dental arena, removable appliances are used to retain teeth position. They are attached to align and reduce gaps to make your smile better, treating your oral bones simultaneously. That’s what orthodontic treatment is about. Moreover, there are a range of appliances like crowns, dentures, retainers, etc., for better protection of your teeth. These appliances can be detached whenever needed. However, during Holi, it is advisable to remove these appliances before you join the crowd of colors.

Restrict your Diet. Follow what your Doctor Says:
Holi is the festival of colors, but yes, it’s also the festival where you munch unlimited sweets. Gujhiya, Panchmeva, and Malpua are delicacies that one cannot ignore. These recipes are undoubtedly tasty but inversely proportional to your dental health. Though occasions are incomplete without sweets, you need to recall the last session of your restoration, implant, or oral prophylaxis and maintain a one-hand distance from those savories. Remember! Any sweet intake can push your treatment long into the future. Also, avoid trigger foods and beverages that can spoil your teeth for the long run.

Keep a control on your non-vegetarian Diet:
Whether it’s champaran handi mutton or the flavors of dehaati-style chicken dipped in thick oil gravy, that’s a strict NO for your teeth. Minute pieces of flesh stuck around your operated teeth can create unbearable pain and, in some cases, damage to any current surgery status inside. There are chances of dislodged crowns or complications post-extraction, if any. It’s better to be tooth-friendly and keep your craving senses under control.

Save Your Ceramic Braces from Colors:
Holi colors are artificial and directly proportional to ceramic braces. If they are installed, you need to protect them from penetrating colors, which can make them stained. In this case, you need to visit your dentist immediately after Holi celebrations to get it rectified for better dental health.

Few Precautions Ortho Patients Should Follow  

Here’s a solid set of tips for patients undergoing orthopedic treatment to protect their braces and dental health during Holi:

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods:
Holi treats like gujiyas, laddoos, and papads can damage braces. Stick to soft foods like oats, halwa, upma, kheer, and soft fruits. Avoid everything that sticks to your teeth or has tendencies to get stuck around your operated tooth.

Rinse Immediately After Colors:
Synthetic Holi colors contain chemicals that might irritate your gums or stick to your braces. Rinse your mouth with water or a mild mouthwash after playing. Check out your prescribed mouthwash and do not miss flossing.

Protect Your Mouth:
If the celebration gets a bit rough, there’s a risk of getting hit on the face. Try to avoid crowded or chaotic areas where accidental bumps could hurt your braces or teeth. A tough hit can also cause injury inside, like cuts and gum bleeding.

Stay Hydrated:
Colors and outdoor activities can dry out your mouth, leading to plaque buildup. Drink lots of water to keep your mouth clean and hydrated

Use Dental Wax:
If your braces often irritate your inner cheeks or lips, apply dental wax before going out to prevent additional friction from talking or laughing.

Brush and Floss Thoroughly:
After the celebrations, ensure no color or food particles are left around your brackets or wires. Use an orthodontic brush and floss threader for a deep clean.

Avoid Sugary Drinks:
Thandai and cold drinks can cause plaque and cavities, especially with braces. If you indulge, rinse your mouth right after.

A dental emergency kit will help:
Keep orthodontic wax, a small mirror, and a travel toothbrush handy just in case a wire pokes out or you feel any irritation.

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