Holiday Survival Guide For Your Teeth: How To Keep Your Smile Healthy This Season

The holiday season is full of joy, laughter, and let’s be honest, plenty of indulgent food and drinks. From candy canes and chocolate to big holiday meals and a glass of wine or two, or three, it can be a challenge to keep your teeth healthy during this festive time. But don’t worry! Our holiday survival guide will help you protect your smile while still enjoying the season. Continue reading to learn more!

6 Tips

The key is balance. With a few smart choices and mindful habits, you can savor your favorite treats without undoing all the good your daily brushing and flossing do. Here’s how to keep your teeth merry and bright all season long.

1. Be Strategic About Candy
   Sugar is the main culprit when it comes to cavities. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, producing acid that wears away tooth enamel. During the holidays, sugary treats are everywhere, but you don’t have to give them up entirely.
   Tips:

• Choose wisely: Stick to chocolate over sticky candy. Chocolate melts quickly and is less likely to cling to teeth, whereas gummies and taffy stick and stay on teeth longer.
• Eat sweets with meals: Your mouth produces more saliva while eating, which naturally helps wash away sugar and acids. Snacking on candy between meals increases the risk of cavities.
• Rinse or brush after sugary treats: If brushing isn’t immediately possible, rinse your mouth with water to help reduce sugar residue.
• Don’t Forget About Wine and Holiday Drinks
  Red wine, mulled wine, and even dark cocktails can stain teeth over time. Plus, sugary holiday cocktails and eggnog can contribute to tooth enamel erosion and cavities.

    Tips:

• Use a straw: While not as fun, drinking acidic or sugary beverages through a straw reduces direct contact with your teeth.
• Rinse with water: After enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail, swish water around your mouth to help neutralize acids.
• Wait to brush: Brushing immediately after acidic drinks can wear down enamel. Wait at least 30 minutes to allow your tooth enamel to re-harden.
  

3. Manage Big Holiday Meals
   Holiday meals can be indulgent, with rich sauces, creamy desserts, and hearty meats. Some foods, like acidic cranberry sauce, tomato-based dishes, or citrusy desserts, can weaken enamel temporarily.
   Tips:

• Balance your plate: Include fiber-rich vegetables and crunchy foods like raw carrots or apples—they help naturally clean your teeth while chewing.
• Moderation is key: Enjoy your favorites, but don’t linger on acidic or sugary foods for long periods.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the meal helps wash away food particles and keeps saliva flowing.
  

4. Stick to Your Routine
   Even during the busiest holiday days, your usual oral care habits make a huge difference.
   Tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove food stuck between teeth.
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse if you’re prone to cavities or frequently consume sugary treats.

5. Keep Emergency Supplies Handy
   Holidays often mean travel and late-night celebrations. Being prepared can save your smile.
   Tips:

• Carry a small travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.
• Sugar-free gum can help clean teeth and freshen breath if brushing isn’t possible.
• Have a dental appointment booked with us after the holidays if you notice sensitivity, pain, or chipped teeth.
  

6. Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Us

A pre-holiday checkup can help catch potential problems before the season’s indulgences hit. So contact us at our office located in Wellington, FL. Regular cleanings and exams ensure your smile stays healthy, sparkling, and ready for all those holiday photos!