Dr. Namrata Rupani, Founder & CEO, Capture Life Dental Care.
Holi is a celebration of colors and also a reason to enjoy a lot of delicious treats and sweets. While it is permissible to enjoy sweets occasionally, surpassing one’s limit is never a wise decision as it might cause tooth diseases and cavities. The festival of Holi involves the use of chemical-laden colors, water slashers, water cannons, and balloons, which may all be hazardous at times. As a result, undertaking protective measures and safeguards are essential to enjoy the celebrations while reducing the risk of dental injury.
Here are some dental health care suggestions for a healthy Holi celebration.
Caring for a cracked tooth:
Holi can be dangerous for children as they get into accidents very easily. Their teeth too get affected while playing Holi if they slip and fall on slippery and wet flooring. To avoid swelling and infection, wipe the injured area with a sterile cloth or medicated linen and apply plenty of ice. Carefully clean the area and apply a clean cotton or gauze pad to avoid the tooth’s sharp edges from coming in contact with the lips, tongue, or cheeks. If the bleeding does not stop, go to the hospital right away or visit a dentist immediately.
If the tooth gets knocked out:
If the tooth is cracked or knocked out, try to maintain composure and avoid spitting, scrubbing, or applying any pressure to the affected region. Hold the tooth by the crown and, if necessary, rinse the root. If feasible, maintain the tooth in its socket; if not, keep it in a cup of cold milk or under the tongue. Get to the dentist as soon as possible, and remember to take the tooth along.
Mouthguards and dental fittings:
Keep any dental fittings, such as a retainer or dentures, at home. This will protect the fixture from being damaged, broken, lost, stained, or causing any injuries to the wearer. Wear a mouthguard to prevent any contact with the face as it can hurt the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or cause the brackets to break. A customized mouthguard will help if recent teeth filling or teeth whitening was conducted.
Wear retainers or dental crowns:
Wearing a clear retainer will help avoid stains if cosmetic fillings or teeth whitening were conducted recently. Get dental crowns to keep the teeth from fracturing and discoloring. It is advisable to protect the fragile teeth and avoid any risky physical games or adventurous activities.
Milk and water to the rescue:
In case of ingestion of hazardous colors, quickly rinse with plenty of water. One can have a glass of cold milk or gargle and spit it out to avoid further symptoms. Keep pain relievers and anti-allergy medications on hand. After meals, drink water to wash away food residue, rinse the mouth and prevent plaque buildup on the teeth. Drinking water at regular intervals can help feel fuller and prevent overindulging in sweets and festive snacks.
Check on sweets and delicacies:
Most of the sweets and delicacies are sticky and sweet. It is recommended to brush, floss, and rinse the mouth as these can cause tooth decay and cavities. Even middle-aged and elderly people can be prone to developing cavities due to festive sweets.
Protect the teeth from chemical stains:
Safeguarding against chemical-laced colors is necessary to avoid stained teeth. Avoid aerated drinks and red wine which are known to stain the teeth. Stained teeth can affect dental hygiene and can be treated by bleaching, scaling, and polishing. Rinse teeth frequently with water to avoid colors being retained in the mouth.
Staying hydrated and following a good dental care regime of brushing, flossing and rinsing is necessary for maintaining good dental hygiene. It is recommended to use bottle openers and refrain from using the teeth to open the bottles and cans. These are some precautionary ways to avoid dental health concerns and celebrate a safe, happy, and fun-filled Holi.