The holidays are finally here! Now is the time to celebrate with family and friends as we reflect on the previous year and look forward to the next one. While the holiday season is a joyous time for many, it can also be a time when we have trouble keeping our teeth and gums healthy. Sweet treats, red wine, and coffee can all be a temptation during the holidays, so if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, the team at ZDental has a few tips that can help you:

Bring a Toothbrush for after Dinner

Brushing your teeth twice every day is a crucial part of your oral health routine, but during the holidays you may also want to brush after any large meals. Foods like turkey can get stuck in the teeth, plus there will likely be some cookies, pies, and cakes for dessert. When you pack an oral healthcare kit that includes a toothbrush, travel toothpaste, floss, and a mini bottle of mouthwash, you can give yourself a quick cleaning after dinner and keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

Stick to Your Usual Oral Health Routine – Even When Traveling

Spending the holidays on the road can disrupt your normal oral health routine. With a little preparation, you don’t have to let travel prevent you from caring for your mouth. Pack a travel kit like the one listed above and keep it in your carry-on bag; that way you will always have easy access no matter where you are.

Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth can contribute to a range of oral health issues from cavities to gingivitis. Drinking plenty of water will improve your saliva production, making it easier for your body to naturally eliminate harmful mouth bacteria and keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.

Eat Sweet Foods in Moderation

We don’t want to tell you that you shouldn’t eat sweets over the holidays, but moderation is important to your oral health. The more sugar you consume, the more your harmful mouth bacteria will flourish, which increases your chance of developing tooth decay and gum disease. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few sweet treats, just think of your teeth and draw the line when you’ve had enough.

Avoid Staining Beverages

There are many staining food and drink items you’re likely to encounter during the holiday season; coffee, tea, red wine, and icing that contains food coloring are just a few. Be aware that these items can cause unsightly stains on your teeth, so choosing another beverage or avoiding foods with excessive coloring can help keep your smile at its whitest.

Schedule a Dental Checkup for the New Year

Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash are all important parts of your oral health routine, but so is scheduling a visit to the dentist every six months. If you haven’t been to the dentist’s office since the spring or summer, now is the perfect time to get that appointment scheduled so you can kick off 2022 with the healthiest mouth possible. If you live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, ZDental has 5 different locations in the area for your convenience, including a dental office in Bensalem. Find the location nearest you on our contact page and call to schedule an appointment today!