5 Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season Without Ruining Your Teeth

From warm peppermint lattes and delicious candied pecans to sugary-sweet candy canes and ooey-gooey cookies, this time of year just wouldn’t be the same without lots and lots of holiday foods. Still, it’s no secret that these seasonal staples aren’t exactly mouth-healthy. In fact, indulging in too many festive treats can result in decay and cavities. Here are a few tips to prevent that from happening!

#1. Make Dental Care To-Go

Ideally, you’d have time to complete your entire oral hygiene routine after each meal. However, between days at the office and any potential travel plans, sometimes it’s a bit unrealistic. Fortunately, you can still help protect your teeth by packing a dental care to-go kit. Simply include the basic staples, like travel-sized toothpaste, a collapsible toothbrush, and mini-floss in your purse or pocket.

#2. Limit Sugary Treats

Pecan pie, gingerbread cookies, and eggnog are just a few festive goodies that your tastebuds love but your teeth despise. As soon as the sugar from these treats hits your mouth, they turn into enamel-eroding acid that wreaks havoc on your teeth. Therefore, it’s best to be mindful of your consumption.

#3. Skip Soda (& Other Sugary Drinks)

The months between Halloween and New Year’s Eve are jam-packed with lots of sugar, even without cavity-causing beverages like soda. With this in mind, stick with water whenever possible. Not only will it keep you hydrated and healthy during cold and flu season, but it will also rinse away food particles, which protects your teeth from decay.

#4. Avoid Sticky, Hard, and Gummy Foods

For decades, dentists have warned their patients of the dangers of consuming too much sugar. However, sugary beverages and foods aren’t the only culprits of cavities. In fact, sticky, hard, and gummy foods are also offenders! So, exercise moderation with treats like caramel, peanut brittle, toffee, and marshmallows.

#5. Prioritize Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Whether you are traveling out of town or using your time off to reset before the new year, the holiday season often disrupts our usual routine. Sadly, a diligent brushing and flossing routine is often the first to go. Since this allows the food particles, plaque, and bacteria in your mouth to wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash regularly.

Since cases of tooth decay spike this time of year, there really is no time like the present to implement the above tips. That way, you can enjoy all this season has to offer without compromising your oral health!

About the Author

Since earning his dental doctorate at the USC School of Dentistry, Dr. Ahmed Saad has spent the last 15+ years helping patients achieve healthy, strong, beautiful smiles. He firmly believes in the power of preventive care, which is why he is happy to help his community with everything from a professional checkup and cleaning and oral cancer screening to fluoride treatments. So, if you are overdue for your biannual appointment or your teeth need some end-of-the-year TLC, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 703-938-6800.