The holiday season is a time filled with happiness, celebration, and tradition. As we eagerly wait
for fun gatherings, delicious treats, and quality time with our loved ones, it’s important to
consider the potential impact that these festivities have on our dental health. While visions of
sugarplums may be dancing in our heads, the sugary delights of the season can turn into a
nightmare for our teeth. The most wonderful time of the year can wreak havoc on our teeth, so
we’re here with 7 ways to ensure that your mouth enjoys the holidays as much as you
do!

1. Maintain your oral hygiene routine.

The holiday season is a time when many people travel far and wide to visit loved ones. However,
with long flights, road trips, and late nights filled with festive games and catching up by the
fireplace, it can be difficult to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. During this busy
period, it’s easy to forget fundamental habits that keep our teeth healthy.
To ensure that oral hygiene doesn’t take a back seat during the festivities, consider setting
reminders on your phone or creating a checklist. Taking a few minutes to slip away and brush
and floss can go a long way in preventing dental issues during the holiday season. The UK
National Health Service recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least
two minutes and incorporating daily flossing to remove plaque and bacteria.
For travelers, it’s important to remember to pack a clean travel toothbrush and fluoride
toothpaste. This is a simple yet effective way to stay committed to oral health while on the go.
Additionally, explore portable oral care options such as disposable floss picks and mini-sized
mouthwash, to make maintaining healthy habits more convenient, even when traveling.

2. Be mindful of sugary treats.

During the holiday season, it is a common scene in almost every household to have an array of
platters and plates filled with sweet, sugary treats. However, as delightful as these holiday
indulgences may be for your taste buds, it is important to be aware of their potential impact on
your oral health. Inside your mouth, there exists a diverse ecosystem of bacteria, some of which
play a beneficial role, while others pose a threat to your dental well-being. An abundance of
sugar is a Christmas feast for harmful bacteria, and when that bacteria breaks down the sugar in
your mouth, it releases acids in the process. These acids are corrosive and target the minerals that
make up your enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth. Frequent acid attacks
from excessive sugar consumption lead to mineral loss, which paves the way for the
development of cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can progress, causing discomfort, pain,
and the potential loss of a tooth.
While enjoying a Christmas cookie or two is certainly an acceptable part of any good Christmas
celebration, it is vital to practice restraint in how many sugary foods you choose to consume. By
being conscious of your intake and taking proactive steps to cut back on excessive sugar, you can
safeguard your teeth from the potentially damaging consequences of prolonged exposure to
acidic environments. Remember, striking a balance between festive indulgence and responsible
oral hygiene practices is the key to preserving your bright and healthy smile throughout the
holiday season.

3. Choose smart snacking.

The holiday season is known for its festive feasts and beloved culinary traditions. While
enjoying these celebrations, it’s important to prioritize our oral health while still finding ways to
partake in treasured traditions. To maintain good dental hygiene, it’s best to choose healthy
alternatives to sugary snacks when spending time with loved ones during the holidays.
Instead of reaching for candy canes or Christmas pastries, consider incorporating a variety of
fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. Crisp apples and juicy oranges are not only in keeping with the
spirit of the season but also contribute to a healthier smile. Additionally, dairy products like
cheese and milk can be tasty additions to your holiday spread. They not only add flavor but also
provide essential nutrients like calcium that promote dental health.
For those cozy gatherings around the fireplace or during moments of quiet reflection, consider
sipping hot green or black tea. Apart from creating a warm and festive atmosphere, tea contains
compounds that can benefit oral health. By making mindful choices in our holiday menus, we
can ensure that our families and their smiles remain brimming with joy throughout the holiday
season.

4. Stay hydrated.

Just as with any other time throughout the year, it is important to stay hydrated to maintain good
oral health. Water acts as a natural cleanser, flushing out food particles and bacteria from the
mouth. So if you decide to try some sugary treats, be sure to wash it down with a big glass of
water. It is also a great idea to continually drink water throughout the holiday festivities. Sipping
water throughout the day not only keeps you hydrated but also contributes to maintaining a
healthy balance in your mouth.
Adequate hydration also helps to prevent dry mouth, which reduces the risk of cavities. Choosing
water over sugary alternatives like soda is a smart decision for your overall health and dental
well-being, as sugary drinks cause tooth decay and can lead to tooth loss.
To ensure that you stay hydrated, try personalized solutions such as investing in a reusable water
bottle with time markers that serve as visual reminders to drink water regularly. Some smart
water bottles even sync with mobile apps, providing notifications and tracking your daily water
intake. By personalizing your hydration experience, you can make staying hydrated an effortless
and enjoyable part of your daily routine. Bringing a reusable water bottle with you while you
travel for the holidays is also a great way to remember to stay hydrated during these busy times!

5. Beware of non-food threats.

When it comes to maintaining good dental hygiene, it’s natural to focus on the relationship
between your diet and the health of your teeth. However, taking care of your oral health goes
beyond just watching what you eat.

During the holiday season, it’s important to be mindful of the potential risks to your teeth. One
all-too-common mistake is using your teeth to open packaging or perform other tasks they’re not
meant to do. Doing so could result in cracked or chipped teeth. Instead of taking the risk, use a
pair of scissors or a pocket knife to open tricky packages. You don’t want to have to ask Santa
for two front teeth for Christmas!

By being careful and making smart choices, you can enjoy the holidays without causing harm to
your teeth. Remember that your pearly whites are only for enjoying your family’s home cooking
and for smiling in the annual Christmas family picture, not for opening what’s under the tree.

6. Stay active.

Maintaining optimal dental hygiene is not only about regularly brushing and flossing and
watching what you eat. It’s also about incorporating healthy lifestyle habits such as regular
exercise. According to a 2005 study published in the British Dental Journal, people who exercise
regularly are less likely to get gum disease. This highlights the importance of not only focusing
on oral care routines but also incorporating broader health practices into our daily lives.
The busy holiday season can make it challenging to maintain these healthy habits. Amidst the
chaos of seasonal celebrations, it can be tempting to neglect regular exercise routines. However,
incorporating enjoyable and active family activities can be a game-changer for dental health
during the holidays. Help to organize entertaining events that encourage the entire family to get
moving and contribute to their overall well-being.

Hosting a family football game in the backyard before dinner or participating in a Christmas 5K
as a family are delightful ways to combine oral hygiene activity with bonding time. They also
add a unique and active twist to holiday traditions. By incorporating these active pursuits into
your holiday festivities, you not only prioritize oral hygiene but also establish healthy traditions
that can be cherished for years to come. So, lace up those running shoes or grab a football, and
make physical activity an integral part of your holiday routine!

7. Schedule a post-holiday checkup.

Once all of the gifts are unwrapped and everyone makes their way back home after the holidays,
it’s a good idea to schedule a dental checkup. Regular dental checkups are essential for
maintaining good oral health, and after indulging in holiday treats and navigating through a busy
and potentially habit-disrupting schedule, it’s more critical than ever to have a professional
assessment and cleaning.
During a dental checkup, potential issues can be identified early, which allows for prompt
intervention and prevention of more significant problems before they occur. Professional
cleanings can also remove any plaque or tartar buildup that may have occurred during the
holiday season. Having a fresh and healthy smile is the perfect way to start the New Year!

The holiday season is a time of joy and laughter, but amidst all the excitement and chaos, it can
also be difficult to prioritize dental hygiene and maintain healthy teeth. However, we hope we’ve
left you with several ways to make dental health manageable. By maintaining a consistent oral
hygiene routine, being mindful of sugary treats, choosing smart snacking alternatives, staying
hydrated, and avoiding non-food threats, you can ensure that your teeth remain healthy and
happy for New Year’s and beyond.

As you enjoy the magic of the holidays, we hope that these seven tips help this to be a holiday
season filled with joy and smiles worthy of a Christmas card!