5 Tips to Protect Your Oral Health During the Holidays

During the holiday season, your biggest priority may not be on keeping your smile in top shape. With all the treats and goodies around, who wants to think about their teeth and gums? However, if you want to step into the new year with a beautiful smile, you must prioritize your oral health. So, today, we’re sharing a few ways for you to protect your oral health this holiday season:

  1. Avoid sticky or overly chewy sweets

Indulging in the occasional chocolate is one thing, but some sweets are more harmful than others. Candy canes and other chewy sweets stick to your tooth enamel and are a challenge to brush off your teeth.

  1. Don’t use your teeth like scissors.

As you open or wrap gifts, it’s tempting to use your teeth like a pair of scissors. However, that can cause you to chip, crack, or dislodge a tooth. So, go the extra mile and grab scissors instead.

  1. Take your oral hygiene kit with you if you travel.

Planning on traveling this holiday season? If so, don’t forget to pack your oral hygiene kit. Include your toothbrush, favorite toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and anything else you use to care for your teeth at home. Keep everything in one convenient small bag that makes it easy to find.

  1. Try not to snack too much.

It’s tempting to snack all the time during the holiday season! However, give your teeth a break and sip water in between meals instead. You’ll wash away bacteria and food particles that stick to your teeth and expose you to a greater risk of cavities or gum disease.

  1. Schedule a post-holiday checkup

You’ll want to enter into the new year with a beautiful, healthy smile. To make sure your holiday fun hasn’t done too much damage, schedule a post-holiday checkup. We’ll do a thorough cleaning and examine your mouth for any cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

We hope these tips help you protect your oral health during the holidays. Call our office today at 206-922-4573 for an appointment or schedule online. We’re located on California Avenue Southwest, not far from Fairmount Park.