Give Thanks, Not Plaque: A Holiday Oral Health Checklist

The holiday season is full of laughter, comfort food, and time spent with loved ones. But in the middle of all the hustle, it’s easy to let your oral health take a back seat. At Edgewood Family Dentistry in Anderson, IN, Dr. Mallory Kuiper wants to make sure your smile stays bright and healthy through all the celebrations. Here’s your go-to holiday oral health checklist to help protect your teeth while you enjoy the season.

Stay Consistent with Your Routine

With travel, guests, and events filling your schedule, it can be tempting to skip your nightly brush or forget to floss. Try to stick with your regular brushing and flossing routine—twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing at least once a day. Keeping up your daily habits is one of the easiest ways to avoid unwanted surprises like cavities or gum inflammation.

Go Easy on Sugary Treats

From pies and cookies to hot chocolate and sweet cocktails, sugar is everywhere this time of year. It’s perfectly okay to enjoy your favorites—but try to enjoy them in moderation. Sticky or hard sweets tend to linger on your teeth longer, giving cavity-causing bacteria more time to do their thing. Rinsing with water or brushing soon after indulging can help minimize the impact.

Drink Plenty of Water

Between festive drinks and cozy warm beverages, don’t forget to reach for water, too. Water helps rinse away food particles, balances the pH in your mouth, and supports saliva production—all of which protect your enamel and help keep your breath fresh.

Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools

Whether you’re opening packages, cracking nuts, or trying to bite off a stubborn tag, resist the urge to use your teeth. It might seem harmless in the moment, but using your teeth this way can lead to chips, fractures, or even emergency dental visits.

Keep Some Sugar-Free Gum Handy

If you can’t brush right after a meal or snack, chewing sugar-free gum—especially one with xylitol—can help increase saliva flow and reduce acid buildup in your mouth. It’s a small step that makes a big difference when you’re out and about.

Schedule Any End-of-Year Checkups or Cleanings

If you’re due for a checkup or have unused dental benefits, now is a great time to schedule an appointment. Not only can we help catch small problems before they become bigger ones, but it also gives your smile a fresh start heading into the new year.

Celebrate the Season with a Healthy Smile in Anderson, IN

At Edgewood Family Dentistry, we’re here to support your smile through every season. If you have questions about keeping your teeth healthy over the holidays—or if you’d like to schedule a cleaning before the year wraps up—give us a call. Let’s keep your holiday season merry, bright, and plaque-free.

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Categorised in: Dental Tips, Preventive Dental Care