How to Keep a Healthy Smile During the Holidays

21 Dec How to Keep a Healthy Smile During the Holidays

With the holiday season in full swing, different parties, events, and other photo opportunities will make you want your smile to glow as bright as the glittering lights everywhere. However, this time of year can also be difficult to maintain oral health and a white smile. Because of this, here are our top tips to keep your smile healthy this holiday.

Keeping a Healthy Smile During the Holidays

Maintain your oral health routine
As one of the most hectic times of the year, it is easy to lose your sense of routine. Don’t let your oral health fall to the wayside because of it! Whether you’re traveling, attending different events, or just staying home with loved ones, it is not an excuse to skip daily brushing and flossing. Be sure to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. With so many sweets and teeth-staining beverages, it is important to combat those effects with diligent oral hygiene.

Drink water
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, drinking enough water every day is a crucial way to keep a healthy smile during the holidays. Not only that, you can lead by example with your loved ones so they can keep their smile bright and healthy as well. Drinking water is an easy way to keep your mouth hydrated and immediately remove food debris in between brushings.

Limit the sweets (sticky treats especially)
Sweet treats are almost unavoidable this time of year, and even the most health-conscious people are willing to indulge in a few sweets. While it is necessary to be aware of how many sweets you are consuming, we recommend avoiding the sticky treats entirely if possible. This includes food such as taffy, hard candy, and sticky toffee. These types of foods especially stick to your teeth, which is particularly detrimental to your tooth enamel. If you cannot resist these types of sweets, consider trying sugar-free alternatives to your favorite holiday treats.

Don’t use your teeth as tools
Nutcrackers, bottle openers, and package rippers are tools created with an intended purpose. Your teeth should never act as replacements for these tools. To avoid chipping and breakage of your teeth, make sure you have the right tools within reach as you go through the holiday season.

Book a dental cleaning appointment after the holidays
Take advantage of the New Year’s resolutions to improve health habits, which includes your oral hygiene. By booking an appointment ahead of time for after the holidays, you are more likely to beat the resolution rush and it is an ideal opportunity to check in with your dental health.

Dental Partners of Fifth Avenue wish you a Happy Holidays and Healthy New Year!