Caring For Your Teeth During the Holidays

Dec 08, 2022

No matter where you are or what tradition you honor, the end of the year is a time full of celebration. Family gatherings, office parties, potlucks with friends - your calendar is full of occasions for savoring food with great company. However, that can mean you're having a little too much of a good thing. The holiday season tends to be a time of overindulgence in food and drink that can be quite harmful to your teeth. If you're looking to enjoy tonight's party and keep your mouth healthy in the long run, there are a few guidelines you can follow to keep you sipping and snacking for years to come.

Minimizing Damage to Your Teeth

Taking care of your teeth doesn't have to mean missing out on all the fun. It simply means being mindful of what's going on in your mouth. This includes understanding: 

  • Decay - You may find yourself out and about until the wee hours of the morning at some point this holiday season. When we're tired, it's more likely that the nightly hygiene routine gets shortened or skipped altogether. If you've been subjecting your teeth to lots of sugar, missing your nightly brushing session can lead to cavities. Be sure to brush and floss to avoid decay.
  • Stains - Berries and red wine become more popular in the winter months. You may also find yourself having more after-dinner coffee with desserts. These foods and drinks, due to their dark color and acidic properties, make your teeth more susceptible to staining. You can use whitening products regularly to keep stains at bay or even schedule a professional whitening in the new year to be more thorough.
  • Cracks - Candy and popcorn also make the rounds more frequently this time of year. Avoid hard foods to minimize your risk of chipping or cracking a tooth. If you find yourself with some damage, you have options for restoring your smile.


With these things in mind, you really can have your cake and eat it too.

Keeping Your Teeth in Celebrating Shape

At WestLake Dental Care, we understand how important it is to spend quality time with family and friends. By following these guidelines, you can make the most of the holiday season without compromising your oral health. Schedule a cleaning with us today to keep your mouth looking and feeling its best.

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