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The holidays are nearly here, and so are the holiday parties, sweets and delicacies we have been waiting on all year. And when our taste buds are delighted to enjoy each bite of pie or candy, and each sip of holiday punch, our teeth and gums are often cowering in dread from this yearly onslaught.

So why worry about our oral health if it’s only a few months out of the year?

This is where we can get ourselves into a bit of trouble. Our oral health affects our entire body, and most importantly, our mouth is a part of our immune system. 

So, while we want to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season, we also want to share with you some simple tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and your smile beautiful and bright not only for the next month but for the many years to come. 

Balance Your Sweets

We all know that a little indulgence in holiday sweets is fine, but too much sugar can wreak havoc not only on your teeth and gums but also on your overall health. Remember to balance your intake of sweets with healthier choices of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Pass on Sticky, Chewy & Hard Treats

Sticky, hard, chewy, gummy, or sugary foods may be what the holiday season is all about for many of us, but they are the worst offenders to our teeth and gums. This included candy canes, dried fruit, and soft mint chews. Limit those for some of the healthier options.

Drink Plenty of Water

Remember to carry a refillable water bottle with you to holiday parties. Water has many benefits and is important especially during the holidays when you are out and about more than ever. Water can clean away freshly formed bacteria in your mouth, it can also freshen your breath and aid in digestion. As an added bonus, water will fill you up so you won’t overindulge in all the sweets.

Keep Your Daily Routine

The holidays can make your schedule crazy, but brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day is an absolute must.  This is even more crucial if you plan on consuming a lot of holiday treats. Brushing removes sugar from your teeth, and flossing will take care of any plaque & bacteria. With just a little bit of effort and planning now, you can look forward to a clean bill of dental health in the New Year.

Your Teeth Are Not for Opening Gifts

Avoid using your teeth to open gifts, or crack nuts or hard candy. Although our teeth are one of the toughest parts of our body, they are susceptible to cracks and breaks. Trust us, we see this every year!

Schedule Your Post-Holiday Checkup & Cleaning Now

For many of us, holidays can be a busy time and despite all your best intentions, there will be times you’ll forget some of these tips. Make sure you schedule your post-holiday dental cleaning and checkup now, so the moment the holidays are over, you can make sure your teeth and gums get back on track for the start of the new year.