During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in celebrating and let our routines slip.

Overeating sweets, drinking too many sparkly drinks, and acting rashly can increase the chances of visiting the dentist during the holiday season.

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but your teeth may not agree if you don’t take the precautionary measures over the holidays.

Keep these dental tips in mind to end the holidays with the healthy smile you started them with.

1. Beware of the buffet

It can be tempting to graze all day during the holiday season – delicious food is all around us. Eating all day puts our teeth at more risk of decay as it leaves food for bacteria in our mouth for a long time and eventually leads to pain.

If you find yourself snacking, choose tooth-friendly options, such as raw veggies or cheese.

2. Don’t brush after bubbly

Sparkling wine is sugary and acidic, which is twice as harmful to your tooth enamel – if you’re enjoying a glass, make sure you wait at least an hour before brushing to minimise the damage. The same thing applies to all acidic foods and beverages.

3. Keep drinking water

You need lots of energy for the holiday activities, but avoid drinking sodas, sports drinks, and juices with plenty of sugar. Drink water with fluoride to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

4. Choose dark chocolate over sticky toffee

Banning sweets may be unrealistic during the holidays, but you can minimise the risk to your teeth by avoiding hard candies that may crack teeth or candies and toffees that stick in your mouth for a longer time.

5. Watch your wine glass

Remember that red can stain your teeth. White wine is less of a risk to your white smile. If you do drink red, drink it with food to keep it from staining your teeth. Be sure to brush well if you indulge in reds, and pair them with teeth-friendly foods like vegetables and cheese.

6. Don’t forget your regular routine

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can upset your schedule, but it’s important to stick to your daily oral health routine no matter how hard it is. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and don’t forget to floss after every meal.

7. Schedule a dental check-up appointment

Maintain regular preventative oral care during the holidays and all throughout the whole year, so take the time to schedule an appointment with your Port Macquarie dentist.

Wait… here’s more!

Choose toys instead of treats

Instead of giving your children a bag filled with sugary treats, swap it for a countdown full of fun family games, jokes, or puzzles.

Carol as you clean

Most people don’t brush for two minutes each time, but if you hum a few verses of your favourite Christmas songs while you clean your teeth, you’ll likely hit the target.

Don’t cut tape with teeth

Teeth are for eating and eating only. Don’t be tempted to crack nuts, tear tape or open tight bottle tops with them. We don’t want any emergencies over the holidays!

Take more turkey

Turkey is one of the healthy festive foods for our teeth – the protein contains phosphorous, which strengthens your teeth and bones. Go ahead, tuck in!

Pack your toothbrush

Going on a holiday getaway? Don’t forget to pack your essentials – toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and any current treatments (e.g. Invisalign trays).

Need More Dental Tips? Visit Your Port Macquarie Dentist Today!

The holidays are a joyful, special time to enjoy with our loved ones, and following these tips will help you share a beautiful, healthy smile with them into the New Year.

Schedule your appointment today to spend the holidays with a healthy smile.

Visit your Port Macquarie dentist today!

Call us on (02) 6583 1711 or request your appointment online.

We are located at 38 Buller St in Port Macquarie.