5 Holiday Dental Tips to Keep Your Smile Merry and Bright

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and a lot of snacks that make your dentist cringe. But don’t worry—you can enjoy the season without turning your teeth into tiny sugar sculptures. Here are five tips (with a sprinkle of humor) to keep your smile shining all season long:

You know the drill—twice a day for two minutes. But during the holidays, brushing is your secret weapon against sugar and sticky sweets. Think of it this way: if Santa can keep track of billions of kids, you can surely keep track of your toothbrush.

Sure, holiday cookies are tempting, but so are crunchy fruits and veggies. Munching on apples and carrots not only saves your teeth from sugar overload but also helps you feel less guilty about that second piece of pie. Balance is key—your teeth will thank you, and your waistline might too!

Candy canes are festive and fun until you accidentally bite down and chip a tooth. Savor them slowly, like you’re auditioning for a toothpaste commercial. Your teeth are meant to chew food, not double as nutcrackers.

Whether it’s wine, eggnog, or hot cocoa, sugary holiday drinks love clinging to your teeth. Follow up with water to rinse away the sugar and hydrate while you’re at it. Bonus: It’s also a great excuse to step away when Aunt Janet starts her third rendition of Jingle Bells.

Late-night holiday snacking? No problem—as long as you floss before bed. Remember, flossing is like gift-wrapping for your teeth: it may seem tedious, but the results are worth it.

Enjoy the holidays, have fun, and take care of those pearly whites! After all, you’ll want a sparkling smile for all those family photos—and to dazzle your dentist when January rolls around.