With the holiday season glittering on the horizon, your thoughts are no doubt on your holiday plans rather than your smile. However, this time of year can be a very challenging time to maintain your oral health due to the excess of candy, cakes and sweet drinks offered during the holiday season.

Fortunately, Patriot Family Dental has five tips to help you maintain a healthy smile that really sparkles this holiday season.

1.Limit the Sticky Holiday Treats

If you enjoy indulging in all of the wonderful candies and desserts of the holidays, making sensible choices where your oral health is concerned may be difficult this time of year.  Sticky holiday treats such as taffy and hard candies not only stick to your teeth but can also cause havoc on tooth enamel. Choosing candies that dissolve quicker in the mouth, such as chocolate, can help to prevent this. If you simply can’t resist candied treats, try some of the many sugar-free varieties that available.

2. Don’t Use Teeth as Tools

Your teeth are not nutcrackers, bottle openers or package rippers. Whether you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or attending a New Year soiree, make sure you have the right tools on hand so that you don’t crack or chip those pearly whites.

3. Maintain a routine

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, but that doesn’t mean you should use it as an excuse to skip regular brushing. Whether you are at home, staying with relatives or staying in a hotel, make sure you brush at least two times a day and floss at least once as normal. Those holiday goodies are usually just an arm’s length away wherever you are, so make sure you counter their effects with a good oral hygiene routine.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways you can maintain your oral hygiene routine, and it’s a habit all the family can get in on. Water is great at flushing away food debris and keeping your mouth hydrated and fresh. It also contains fluoride which is essential for keeping teeth healthy and strong.

5. Arrange an After Holiday Checkup and Cleaning

The New Year heralds new health habits, and dental hygiene is often one of them. Beat the resolution rush by booking your checkup early. By scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning after the holidays will help eliminate any food debris and bacteria that can harm your teeth. It will also help you get ahead of any dental issues that may have developed during the holiday season.

For more dental tips and ways you can protect your smile throughout the holidays, contact Patriot Family Dental in Clarksville, Tennessee. To schedule an appointment, call (931) 645-2469 today.

In the meantime, Happy Holidays and keep on brushing!

The post 5 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Smile During the Holidays appeared first on Patriot Family Dental.