7 Tips for a Smile-Friendly Holiday Season

Holiday treats can be hard on your smile. Between hard candies (like candy canes), sugary treats, and festive drinks, all of that sugar can easily lead to cavities, gum irritation, or sensitivity if you aren’t careful.

The good news? You don’t have to skip your favorite holiday indulgences to protect your smile. With a few simple habits, you can keep your teeth healthy, bright, and strong all season long.

Here are seven dentist-approved tips to keep your smile holiday-ready, straight from Dr. Niki at CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki.

1. Drink water between treats

From cookies to holiday cocktails, sugar is everywhere this time of year. Drinking water between snacks helps rinse away sugars and acids that cling to your teeth. It also keeps you hydrated, which helps boost healthy saliva production. (Saliva helps wash away all the sugar and bacteria from your mouth.)

Pro tip: If you enjoy sparkling water, make sure it’s plain. Flavored varieties, particularly citrus, can be acidic enough to damage enamel.

2. Don’t sip sugary drinks all day long

Hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, and eggnog are part of the fun, but sipping them slowly over hours means your teeth stay coated in sugar and acid longer. This raises your risk of cavities.

Instead: Enjoy your beverage at once, preferably with a meal, and follow it up with a glass of water.

3. Choose food from the appetizer table that is good for your teeth

Holiday appetizer tables are full of sticky, crunchy, or sugary foods that aren’t ideal for your teeth. Mix in smile-friendly options like:

• Cheese
• Nuts
• Veggies
• Fresh fruits
• Whole grains

Crunchy raw fruits and vegetables can even help scrub away plaque from your teeth. They also provide some vitamin C, which is good for gum health.

4. Don’t use your teeth as tools

Opening gifts? Breaking tape? Cracking nuts? Your teeth aren’t scissors or pliers, even during the holidays. Using them this way can chip or fracture your enamel, something you definitely don’t want during family photos.

Use the appropriate tools for the job at hand, such as using nut crackers to open nuts, and remind your kids to do the same.

5. Keep your oral healthcare routine the same

Busy schedules can make it easy to skip brushing or flossing, especially late at night after parties or on travel days. Bacteria, however, don’t take holiday breaks.

You should:

• Brush twice a day, two minutes each time
• Floss once a day
• Add mouthwash for extra protection 

Don’t forget Dr. Niki’s traveling tip: Pack a dental kit in your carry-on so you never miss a brushing.

6. Use these three tips if you eat hard candy

Candy canes, toffees, caramels, and brittle are holiday favorites, but they also cling to your teeth or can cause fractures. If you do enjoy them:

• Eat them with a meal
• Drink water afterward
• Avoid chewing on hard pieces

And like all treats, moderation is the word of the season. Although if possible, swap out hard candy for a treat that is friendlier to your smile. A piece of dark chocolate, for example, doesn’t linger on your teeth as long as a hard candy.

7. Schedule your post-holiday cleaning

The best way to start the new year? With a clean, fresh, healthy smile.

Booking your dental checkup and professional cleaning early means that Dr. Niki can catch small issues like early cavities or gum inflammation before they turn into bigger issues. Dr. Niki can also brighten your smile if you want to refresh your look after a season of sweets and staining foods.

At CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki, we’re here to help you keep your teeth strong and your smile radiant year-round.

Schedule your next appointment with Dr. Niki at CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki today. You can also reach our Lakeland, Ohio, office at 216-616-1385.