Have A Happy Healthy Smile This Holiday Season

Have A Happy Healthy Smile This Holiday SeasonIt’s important to stick to your dental hygiene routines throughout the holidays — we know it can be tough! Many of us are very busy making travel plans, planning extravagant meals, or shopping for gifts and supplies during the holiday season.

When you’re busy, it’s easy to skip flossing or forget to brush your teeth before bed. We also tend to indulge in teeth-staining foods and drinks that we typically wouldn’t consume during the rest of the year, such as hot coffee, wine, or sweets.

We’ve put together a few tips to keep your teeth in tip-top shape this winter.

  • Straws & Sugar-Free Drinks Are Your Friends
  • Rinse Your Mouth After Sugary Foods & Drinks
  • Drink Lots Of Water
  • Keep A Dental Hygiene Kit Handy
  • Keep Up With Your Checkups

Holiday Comfort Food Is So Enticing

With an abundance of sweet treats and other tempting comfort foods all around you, it’s hard to keep a healthy, white smile at the top of your mind. The most common culprits are overly sugary foods and drinks such as cookies, pies, ciders, wine, and others.

With cooler weather upon us, warm drinks such as hot cocoa and coffee are also often enjoyed. These choices, however, do not come without consequences for your teeth.

We know it can be difficult to avoid these scrumptious options, but your smile (and body) will thank you later for making healthier choices.

  • Using a straw can help sugary drinks bypass your teeth.
  • Choosing sugar-free options is a good way to still indulge.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after drinking sugary drinks or wine.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking plenty of water is always a good idea, but if you are eating sugary or acidic foods, rinsing your mouth with water is essential. Water can help ward off the damaging effects of sugar and can also help to prevent staining.

We recommend sipping on water frequently to help offset the damage that can be caused by sugary holiday comfort foods.

  • Water can help prevent staining and damage from alcohol, wine, coffee, or other sugary drinks.
  • When you’re hydrated, the vital oral bacteria in your mouth are better balanced.
  • Rinsing with water can greatly reduce your risk of cavities due to sugar that clings to your teeth.

Be Prepared With A Dental Hygiene Kit

When traveling during the holidays, it is very easy to fall out of your routines due to a lack of convenience. It is recommended to always have a dental hygiene kit in your travel bag that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and even mouthwash.

If you choose to indulge in any holiday comfort foods, remember that moderation is key, but if you brush or rinse afterward, it can also help prevent damage from occurring.

Don’t Skip Your Regular Cleanings & Checkups

As a family dentist, Dr. Carol Jin, DDS in San Ramon, California, recommends keeping up with your regularly scheduled appointments, such as cleanings, teeth whitening, and regular checkups. If you’re typically extra busy this time of year, plan ahead and schedule your dental appointments prior to the holidays.

Having a great smile takes dedication and, with these tips, you should be able to make it through the holidays while keeping your pearly whites shining bright!

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