5 Tips for a Healthier Smile this Holiday Season
Even though it has been a strange year full of ups and downs, you may find yourself posing and smiling more than usual as we head into the holiday season. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a Zoom celebration, you’ll likely be experiencing some level of joy over the next couple of months. With social media being a big part of our lives, you’ve got to be ready for that candid moment – even when you least expect it. As the kids these days say, “do it for the ‘gram” and “pics or it didn’t happen”. 
That being said, here are 5 tips to help you achieve a healthier smile so that you’re confidently prepared for these festive photo opps:
Brush & Floss Daily
Let’s face it – most people seem to stick to brushing twice daily, but we understand that people often only floss leading up to a dental hygiene visit. The reality of the matter is that flossing is a simple and necessary addition that you can seamlessly integrate into your daily oral hygiene routine. It helps to remove plaque between teeth as well as out from under the gum lines while simultaneously helping to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. Check out our flossing tips to find out if you’re doing it correctly and to ensure a more positive flossing experience.
Be Mindful of What You Put in Your Mouth
The holidays are a time of revelry and with that merriment, we often consume a bevy of, well, beverages that can taint your teeth. Liquids like coffee, tea, soda and red wine are synonymous with staining, and we’re not talking about furniture, though that can be a casualty too. Such drinks can lead to superficial stains. These stains can typically be polished off, but they can also cause internal staining to your tooth enamel. Consider drinking through a straw to try to reduce the staining on your teeth. In addition to beverage consumption, smoking cigarettes can also lead to stains on your teeth and also cause gum damage. Keep your mouth (and the rest of your body!) happy this holiday season by reducing vices and enjoying quality time with your family in whatever capacity possible.
Invest in Quality Tooth Care Tools
Or as we say in layman’s terms, a toothbrush. Whether you opt for a standard manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush, make sure that you treat it with care and change your toothbrush as needed. Both manual and electric toothbrush heads should be changed every 3-4 months. To preserve the life of a manual toothbrush, rinse it with tap water and let it air dry; do not store it in an enclosed space as this can cause bacteria growth. Similarly to manual toothbrushes, you’ll want to look for wear and tear on the bristles of your electric toothbrush head as an indication of when it’s time to replace it.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Water is your best friend when it comes to choosing your ideal beverage buddy. It helps to rinse your mouth and flush teeth clean while preventing tooth decay. Tap water is typically a better option than bottled water because it generally contains the proper amount of fluoride needed to promote tooth health and discourage decay.
Put Yourself First
When the holidays hit, we tend to focus on catering to and pleasing others. Self care becomes a distant memory and operating at full speed starts to become the norm. However, during this time of year (and always), it’s important to pay attention to other health conditions you may be enduring and to make time to take care of yourself so that you don’t exacerbate these conditions. Blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and bruxism can all impact the health and appearance of your smile. Focus on eating right and exercising so that you’re not only treating your body with love, but also your teeth, gums and smile.
