How to Keep Your Smile Healthy During the Holiday Season
Keep your smile healthy this holiday season with simple tips for enjoying treats while protecting your teeth.
Smile Healthy
10 December 2024
The holidays are here, which means plenty of celebrations, delicious treats, and festive drinks! But with all the fun comes the risk of indulging too much and neglecting your oral health. Don’t worry—we’ve provided practical tips to help you enjoy the season while keeping your smile healthy, bright, and ready for the New Year!
Brush and Floss Regularly
Amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays, letting your usual dental routine slide can be easy. But keeping up with brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily is essential, especially when indulging in those sweet treats. The more prolonged sugar is on your teeth, the more likely it is to cause plaque buildup and tooth decay. So, don’t skimp on the basics—your smile will thank you!
Watch Your Sugar Intake
Let’s face it – Christmas without a bit of chocolate, pavlova, and Christmas cake wouldn’t be the same. But all those sugary foods and drinks can create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and cause cavities. While indulging occasionally is okay, limit your sugar intake where possible. And remember, after enjoying a sweet treat, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away any sugar and acid.
Drink Plenty Water
If you’re attending a few Christmas parties or enjoying a wine dinner, ensure you’re also sipping on water throughout the day. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but drinking water helps to wash away food particles and prevent dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath. It’s also a great way to help neutralise acids that might otherwise harm your tooth enamel. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to have a refreshing glass of H2O!
Limit Sticky Foods
Some holiday foods, like caramel toffees and dried fruits, might taste delicious, but they can stick to your teeth, making them harder to clean. Sticky foods can linger in your mouth for hours, providing food for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. If you can resist, try chewing sugar-free gum after eating to help clean your teeth and freshen your breath.
Don't Forget about your Gums
Healthy teeth are only part of the equation- healthy gums are just as important. Give your gums some love by brushing gently along the gum line and flossing to remove any food particles that might get stuck. If you notice any redness, swelling or bleeding when you brush or floss, it could be a sign of gum disease. Pay attention to it and visit your dentist to check things out.
Be Careful with Holiday Beverages
This holiday season is full of yummy drinks, from eggnog to mulled wine to Christmas punch. But some festive beverages can be acidic or sugary, which is better for your teeth. Limit how often you sip on sugary drinks and follow them up with water. If you’re having a hot drink like coffee or tea, consider using a straw to minimise contact with your teeth or rinse your mouth afterwards.
Snack Wisely
While you’re out and about, choose healthier snacks when possible. Veggies like carrots, celery, and cucumber are great options, as they’re good not only for your teeth but also help produce saliva, which naturally cleans your mouth. Chewing crunchy foods can also help remove plaque and food particles from your teeth, making them a win for oral health.
Don't Skip the Dental Check-up
Even though the holidays can get busy, remember to keep up with regular dental check-ups. If you’ve been putting off seeing your dentist, now’s the time to book an appointment. It’s better to catch any issues early so they don’t cause pain or complications. A clean and polished smile is the perfect way to start the New Year!
Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools
We’ve all been guilty of using our teeth to open bottles or packages during the holiday rush. But this can put unnecessary strain on your teeth and even cause them to crack or chip. If you need to open something, always grab a proper tool – your teeth are made for chewing food, not opening presents!
Don't Forget about your Mouthguard
Wear a mouthguard if you plan to hit the beach or get involved in any memories over the holidays. Accidents can happen when you’re playing around, and a mouthguard is a simple way to protect your teeth from injury, especially if you’re playing contact sports or even just enjoying a game of backyard cricket!
Cheers to a Healthy Smile!
The holidays are a time to relax and enjoy good company, tasty food, and fun. Follow these simple tips to keep your smile bright and your teeth healthy. Enjoy all the festive moments!
Wrapping It Up
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, visiting your dentist as soon as possible is essential. Early treatment can save you from more significant problems down the track and help you maintain a healthy, confident smile. At Innovative Dental, we’re here to help you determine the best treatment for your situation and ensure you receive top-notch care.
Remember, looking after your teeth isn’t just about avoiding pain; it’s about keeping your overall health in check.
The most critical factors for saving money, pain, and time are practising good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet with less sugar, and finally, seeing your dentist regularly.
