Tips to keep your smile bright this holiday season

The holiday seasons are full of food, events, and sweets. Even when you are enjoying the festivities, it is important to keep your dental health in mind. To maintain healthy oral hygiene and avoid unwanted dental problems, consider following these holiday oral health tips:

• Eat sugary food in moderation, and limit acidic drinks
• Avoid continual snacking on sweets. Did you know that it is less harmful to your teeth to eat the same amount of sugary snacks in one sitting as opposed to continual snacking over a longer time?
• Maintain your daily dental routine, even when you are traveling to visit family
• Take time to de-stress during the busy holiday season. Stress can negatively affect your dental health, contributing to teeth grinding or dry mouth, or interfering with your regular health routine and diet.

Make dental care a priority, even during the busy holiday season

No matter how busy we get, it is essential to properly brush and floss at least twice each day. Many people find it easier to brush and floss in the morning but it is recommended to brush and floss before you go to bed as well. Be sure to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss for your holiday travels, and don’t forget to maintain your children’s dental care routine too.

Care for your teeth after eating

It is a good idea to brush after eating, but that is not always possible. With so many reasons to celebrate with food during the holidays, you might not always be able brush after a meal or snack. If that is the case, use mouthwash to remove food particles and bacteria and freshen your breath. If you don’t have your toothbrush or mouthwash, rinse thoroughly with water after eating, and then brush as soon as you get home.

Never use your teeth as present-openers

Using your teeth to open bottles, packages or snap ribbons is never a good idea! With time, this will weaken the enamel and might damage the edges of your teeth which may further lead to cracking and breakage, and an expensive cosmetic repair job.

Use the holidays as a motivation to quit smoking

If you smoke, the holiday season is a great time to stop. There are many health benefits of quitting smoking, and your oral health is just one example. You will have healthy teeth, stronger gums, and a brighter smile for all of your holiday events and photos.

Make an appointment with your dentist

Healthy eating and oral care at home can be a good start to dental health. However, the holiday season and the end of the year is a good time to visit the dentist. An exam will also let your dentist know if you need treatment for any underlying conditions.

During this season, everyone in your family will be at home for the holidays. It is the ideal time to make dental appointments for your entire family. This way, everyone can start the new year with a perfect smile, and excellent oral health!