6 Tips to for a Healthy Holiday Smile

You might believe Halloween is the worst time of the year for your smile, but the weeks following can take a toll on your dental health. More snacking, traveling, and deviating from your daily routines during the holidays can mean bad news the next time you visit your dentist. The holidays don’t have to come back to haunt your smile. Here are 6 tips to safeguard your pearly whites during the weeks ahead. 

1. Step Up Your Oral Hygiene Routine

You’ll probably be snacking more often, which means your teeth will be exposed to cavity-causing bacteria. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily; however, you may want to brush after every meal. Don’t forget to floss before heading to bed to remove any food particles and plaque your toothbrush didn’t reach. Create an oral hygiene kit with travel-sized products to make it easy to brush and floss while you’re on the go. 

2. Watch What You Eat

You’ll be surrounded by many sweet treats and delicious meals that can tempt your taste buds. You can avoid tooth decay by watching what you eat and drink. Limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Avoid eating foods with starch, which feeds cavity-causing bacteria. 

3. Avoid Tooth Stains

Enamel is porous, which can allow the pigments of stain-causing foods and drinks to discolor your teeth. You can prevent stains by skipping red wine, cranberry sauce, and other seasonal favorites that can lead to discoloration.

4. Drink More Water

It’s always best to drink water whenever possible. It will keep you hydrated and your mouth moist to reduce oral bacteria growth. You will also keep your mouth clean in between brushing. Drinking plenty of water will rinse food particles from your mouth to reduce harmful bacteria that can lead to decay, infections, and bad breath. 

5. Chew Sugarless Gum

If you can’t get to your toothbrush, reach for a piece of sugarless gum. Chewing encourages saliva production to cleanse your mouth. You’ll protect your smile from cavities and freshen your breath.

6. Visit Your Dentist

Although the holidays are a busy time of the year, don’t forget to schedule your semi-annual cleaning and checkup. Your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar to ensure your teeth are clean. Your dentist will examine your mouth to look for anything concerning, like weakened enamel. They’ll provide the quick treatment you need to stop a small issue from turning into a big problem.

Invest in a Healthy Smile

You rely on your teeth every day, so don’t put them at risk. Give them the attention they deserve during the holidays. You’ll start the new year with a healthy smile to look your best. 

About Dr. Justin Braga

Dr. Braga earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco and continued his education to achieve his certificate in periodontics. He is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you need a cleaning and checkup before the new year, request an appointment through our website or call (714) 587-9094.