The New Year is here, and we all want to look and feel our best. But have you really thought about what the festive period does to your teeth? It can be harder during the holidays to take proper care of your smile. But healthy smiles are one of the most noticeable features people have, and you need to look after yours, whatever the time of year.
Here are seven top tips for maintaining good oral hygiene habits and keeping your smile healthy this holiday season.
1. Check your toothbrush
How long is it since you changed your toothbrush? Most dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three to four months. Once your brush begins to get worn, it can’t clean your teeth and remove plaque as effectively. If it’s a while since you changed your brush or it’s starting to look worn, invest in a new one for the holidays.
2. Remember to floss
Even if you brush your teeth after every meal, you’re not cleaning between your teeth. Flossing every day is one of the most important oral hygiene habits to get into, as it cleans between your teeth and helps you maintain healthy gums. This reduces the risk of gum disease and helps your teeth to last a lifetime.
3. Time your snacks
The holiday season is filled with sweet treats to tempt us at every turn! We’re not suggesting you cut the sweets and cakes out altogether – but it makes sense to eat them straight after a meal instead of indulging throughout the day. This helps to prevent your teeth from being exposed to too much acid.
4. Drink plenty of water
Drinking water regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain a healthy smile. It helps to keep the pH levels in your mouth neutral by washing away the sugars from the food you eat. If you drink water with every meal and at regular intervals throughout the day, you will be protecting your teeth from harmful acid. Remember, though, that water can’t replace brushing and flossing!
5. Avoid drinks that stain your teeth
Coffee, tea and red wine are all notorious for causing your teeth to look discoloured. If you drink them regularly, over time they can stain your tooth enamel on the inside. So, even your dentist won’t be able to get your teeth back to their original colour. Cutting down on these drinks might not be easy over the holiday season, but it is important if you want to maintain the appearance of your smile.
6. Enjoy some fresh fruit
A refreshing apple or pear can be exactly what you need after indulging in too many carbs and desserts! Even better, fresh fruit is also great for maintaining healthy smiles as it massages your gums and helps to protect the enamel of your teeth. It’s the ideal snack for after a festive meal.
7. Use quality whitening products
We all want a whiter, brighter smile over the holiday season. Specialist whitening products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes can be key to giving your smile an extra sparkle. But please be sure to choose quality whitening products from a reputable brand to make sure you’re keeping your teeth healthy.
Want more advice about good oral hygiene habits?
If you’d like more information about keeping your smile as healthy as possible, please contact us. We’re always happy to help.