2022 Holiday Dental Guide: Keep Your Smile Merry and Bright
The holidays are a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones. And that’s definitely something to smile about. But, with all the fun, it’s easy to forget to protect your smile and dental health during the holiday season.
Our 2022 holiday dental guide will help you to get the healthiest smile possible during your winter holidays.
Get Your Teeth Whitened for a Truly White Christmas
Before you jump into the holiday season, you should think about scheduling a teeth whitening treatment.
White teeth aren’t just aesthetically pleasing. They can also give you a major confidence boost. And that’s reason enough to show off your pearly whites on the holiday pictures.
Consider which teeth whitening treatment is the right fit for you, and consult the dentist for recommendations.
If white teeth aren’t a priority for you this holiday season, you should still actively try to keep your pearly whites healthy. Keep the following tips in mind as you enjoy the holidays.
8 Tips to Keep Your Dental Health Merry and Bright During the Holidays
1. Limit Sweets
Is your dining room table filled to the brim with tasty cookies, pieces of fudge, and other special holiday treats?
When it comes to Christmas, there’s always an overload of sweets. However, sweets are famously bad for your teeth.
While sugar doesn’t directly destroy your teeth, too much of it leads to cavities and tooth decay.
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth. And this bacteria loves sugar even more than you do! The sugar you eat feeds it, and encourages plaque buildup, which directly leads to cavities.
Try to replace sweets with healthier options. Fruit and veggies aren’t just a delicious alternative, they’re also good for your teeth.
2. Substitute Dairy for Soda
If you think sugary soda is better than sweets and candy, you couldn’t be more wrong. Not only is the sugar feeding the plaque on your teeth, but the acids in soda can also damage your enamel.
If you already drank a lot of sugary beverages, one holiday dental tip that you can follow is to drink more dairy.
Settle on a glass of low-fat milk over the eggnog. As a bonus, milk also contains plenty of calcium to help build strong teeth.
Of course, the best beverage to drink is always water.
Sipping a glass of clean water throughout the day helps rinse bacteria from the teeth. It also keeps you hydrated, prevents dry skin, and helps digestion. All of which are super helpful during the holidays.
3. Don’t Forget to Brush Regularly
With all the holiday fun, it’s easy to forget to brush your teeth.
However, breaking this routine can have serious consequences, especially after all that holiday snacking.
Brush twice a day, for two minutes at a time. Don’t forget to floss either. If you want to be really thorough, scrape your tongue and use mouthwash as well.
However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t brush within 30 minutes of eating, as that can also damage your enamel.
4. Chew Gum for Bright White Christmas Teeth
If you aren’t in a place with access to your toothbrush, keep some sugar-free gum in your pocket.
Make sure to chew for at least 20 minutes after each meal to get the most from your gum. It boosts saliva production and replaces important minerals in the teeth faster.
However, always remember that chewing gum is never a substitute for brushing your teeth.
5. Never Use Your Teeth as Tools
Are you having a hard time opening that bottle of wine or cutting the tags off your new sweater?
If you’re considering using your teeth as tools, don’t.
While your teeth may certainly be strong enough to help you right now, this can lead to weaker enamel over time.
Not to mention that using your teeth as tools could make them crack or break. A dental emergency is the last thing you need during the holiday.
It’s best to keep a pair of scissors handy instead.
7. Use a Whitening Toothpaste
In a season that’s filled with tasty temptations, one way to keep your smile bright and white is to start using a whitening toothpaste. Look for a product that is endorsed by the American Dental Association, as these are more likely to whiten your teeth safely.
Whitening toothpaste can take several weeks to show results. Keep in mind that it will usually only help to remove mild surface stains on your teeth. For a more comprehensive whitening, you may need to schedule a teeth whitening treatment with a dental professional.
8. Schedule a Dental Cleaning After the Holidays
If you want to ensure that your smile stays bright, be proactive. Schedule your next dental cleaning and checkup following the holidays.
This doesn’t just help your dental health after the holidays, it can also start your new year off with a clean smile.
In the meantime, do your best to keep up with a solid oral hygiene routine, which includes regular brushing and flossing.
And that’s a great New Year’s resolution!
Wishing You Happy Holidays From Carefree Dental!
At Carefree Dental, we want you to have a smile that you’re proud of. With some of these holiday dental tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to having a healthy smile for the snowy season ahead.
We wish you Joyful Holidays and a very Happy New Year!
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
