The Christmas and holiday season is a period of the year where our mouths are subjected to more ‘abuse’ than normal. We often eat more and drink more, and neither the foods nor beverages we consume are likely to be the healthiest.

So, whether you’re reading this on Christmas Eve or in the middle of June, it’s important that you’re aware of how to best look after your teeth when you need to the most.

How to look after your teeth during the festive season

Avoid excessive sugar

We’re certainly not saying you need to avoid all sugary foods and drinks but consuming too much sugar can increase the risk of developing tooth decay and cavities.

We don’t mean to sound like the Grinch but try keeping your snack and sugary drink intake to a reasonable level over the holidays.

Gift yourself a new toothbrush

Christmas is a period of gift-giving. Why not gift yourself something truly valuable: A new toothbrush! Changing toothbrushes regularly to ensure the bristles are effective will help you develop strong oral hygiene and a healthy mouth.

You can always really indulge yourself – or ask a loved one to put it on your Christmas list – by purchasing a rechargeable, electric or revolving brush head toothbrush.

Keep up your oral care

Lots of things slip to the wayside over the holiday festivities. Maintaining your daily oral care routine should be an absolutely inviolable must!

No matter how many parties and visitors and celebrations you have, make a point of sticking to your normal dental care routine. Ironically, it’s even more important that you brush and floss well, considering the treats you’re likely to be consuming during this time.

Floss more often

Flossing every day is important but flossing after all meals is even better. During the festive season, you’ll undoubtedly be eating more food and snacks, some of which you don’t normally eat as much.

To ensure that this food doesn’t get stuck and remain stuck between your teeth where it can build up plaque and cause problems, try flossing one or two times more.

Order a cheese board… or two

Here’s a suggestion we’re sure you can get wholeheartedly onboard with. Cheese is actually good for your teeth and helps neutralise the plaque acid in your mouth. The less acid there is the less damage your teeth are subjected to.

So, why not celebrate the orally responsible way and eat more cheese!

Don’t open a bottle with your teeth

We cannot stress this enough! Do not try opening a bottle or beer or any other bottle with your teeth. No matter how impressive you think you’ll be to your guests, family and friends, all it takes is one bottle cap to get stuck for your teeth to break.

That really would put a damper on your Christmas spirit. Just use a bottle opener. It’s safer and easier!

Use a straw

While we’re on the topic of drinking, if you’re consuming a sugary drink using a straw can help minimise the amount of contact the liquid has with your teeth. Sugar can cause damage to the teeth and so the more you can use a straw the better.

Don’t crunch ice in your mouth

We know, we know. Crushing the leftover ice in your drink is so refreshing and tempting. However, you risk cracking and damaging your teeth.

Like opening a bottle with your teeth, it’s just not worth the risk!

Use a nutcracker

If you’re eating nuts over Christmas, use a nutcracker and not your teeth! You risk damaging or chipping a tooth and that really would be a bummer.

Nutcrackers are called nutcrackers because that’s what they do. Use them for that purpose and leave your teeth to do what they’re meant to do!

Book your next hygiene appointment for the new year

Whether or not you’ve had a tooth-related mishap over the silly season, booking your next check-up and hygiene appointment with your dentist is a smart thing to do. Regular dental appointments are the best way to ensure the ongoing oral health in your mouth and catch any potential problems as early as possible when it’s easiest and cheapest to resolve.

Book your dental appointment online – without the hassle!

The team at Dental O So Gentle love the holidays as much as you do and we’re here to help ensure your oral health allows you to enjoy the time with family and friends as much as possible.

If you have any concerns related to your teeth and mouth or it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, simply book an appointment with us online. It’s easy, hassle-free and convenient!