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Dental Care Tips for the Holiday Season

From late October through New Year’s Day, your teeth face a lot of challenges. Between Halloween candy, Thanksgiving pies, Christmas cookies, and New Year’s champagne, there are plenty of sugary and acidic temptations. The good news is that you can enjoy the season and protect your smile at the same time. Check out these dentist-approved tips for oral health care throughout the holiday season!

Holiday Candy Dental Tips to Protect Your Smile

Eat candy with meals instead of between them.
When you eat sweets during a meal, your mouth produces more saliva, which helps wash away sugar and acids. Constant snacking exposes teeth to sugar all day long, increasing cavity risk.

Choose chocolate over sticky or sour candy.
Chocolate melts and rinses away quickly. Sticky candies like caramels or taffy cling to teeth, and sour candies contain acids that weaken enamel. The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that limiting sticky and sour treats can significantly reduce the risk of decay. 

Rinse after sour or sugary treats.
Acids temporarily soften enamel, so brushing immediately afterward can cause wear. Rinse your mouth with water and wait about an hour before brushing.

Holiday Feast Dental Care

Be mindful of starches and sweets.
 Stuffing, rolls, and desserts are comfort foods, but they break down into sugars that feed cavity-causing bacteria. Balance your plate with vegetables and proteins, and drink water during meals to rinse away food particles.

Watch out for popcorn.
 Unpopped kernels can crack teeth and hulls can get stuck under the gums. If popcorn is on the menu, take your time and be careful.

Drink fluoridated water.
 Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoridated water is a proven, safe way to reduce tooth decay for both children and adults. (CDC on community water fluoridation)

holiday season dinner with family raising wine glasses to cheers

Dental Care Tips for Holiday Travel

Pack a travel dental kit.
Include a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss, and travel-size mouthwash. If you forget your toothbrush, rinse well with water until you can replace it.

Replace your toothbrush regularly.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. A worn brush does not clean effectively.

Stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth.
Holiday travel, alcohol, and winter weather can cause dry mouth, which increases your risk for cavities. The ADA recommends drinking water regularly and using sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.(ADA on dry mouth)

Holiday Party Dental Tips

Limit acidic and sugary drinks.
Cider, soda, wine, and cocktails are both acidic and sugary. Frequent exposure to these drinks can weaken enamel and stain teeth. According to the ADA, acidic beverages are one of the leading causes of enamel erosion. (ADA on dental erosion)

Wait before brushing after drinking wine or soda.
 Give your enamel time to re-harden before brushing. Rinse with water, chew sugar-free gum, and brush about an hour later.

Pair sweets with tooth-friendly foods.
 Snack on cheese, nuts, or crunchy vegetables between sugary treats. These foods help balance acids and stimulate saliva production.

Protecting Teeth During Winter Activities and Celebrations

Do not use your teeth as tools.
 Opening packages, bottle caps, or wrapping with your teeth can lead to cracks and chips. Use scissors or proper tools instead.

Avoid biting hard candies or ice.
 Candy canes and ice cubes are common culprits of cracked teeth. Enjoy them carefully or let them melt instead of biting.

Wear a mouthguard for winter sports.
 If you play hockey, ski, or snowboard, a mouthguard helps prevent dental injuries. It is a small investment that can save you from major dental work later.

Keep Your Smile Bright Through the Holidays

Practicing everyday health oral hygiene habits can make all the difference during the holidays. 

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.

  • Choose water as your main beverage, especially fluoridated tap water.

  • After acidic drinks, rinse with water and wait before brushing.

  • Avoid constant snacking and limit sugary foods to mealtimes.

  • Replace your toothbrush regularly and maintain consistent brushing even when you travel or stay up late.

A beautiful, healthy smile is one of the best gifts you can give yourself this season. By drinking more water, choosing sweets wisely, and brushing consistently, you can enjoy the holidays without hurting your teeth.

If you experience tooth pain, a cracked tooth, or bleeding gums that will not stop, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Many offices reserve time for emergency visits during the holidays, so you can get relief quickly.

If you are due for a checkup or want a personalized dental plan for the season, contact ABG Dental today. We are here to help you start the new year with a healthy and confident smile.

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