*Updated December 2024
The holiday season has arrived, bringing with it an abundance of festive treats and indulgent foods that may not be the best for our bodies—or our smiles. Don’t let holiday temptations take a toll on your oral health! Consider our best oral health tips to keep your mouth healthy and happy throughout the celebrations.
How the holidays impact oral health
Holiday foods are undeniably delicious, but many come loaded with a startling amount of sugar. Seasonal treats like cookies, brownies, candies, and even alcohol often find their way into holiday celebrations—though they don’t do any favors for your oral health.
According to the American Heart Association, “Adults and young adults in the U.S. consume on average about 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day, more than 2 to 3 times the recommended daily allowance for men and women respectively.”
Holiday temptations can often lead to an increase in the amount of sugar you consume.
Whether you’re indulging out of stress, joy, boredom, or simply because treats are everywhere, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat and drink. We often link sugar to weight gain, but its effects on oral health are frequently overlooked.
Oral health tips to keep your mouth healthy during the holidays
With a few mindful choices and habits, you can enjoy the celebrations while keeping your mouth healthy and happy.
1. Be mindful of sugary treats:
The holidays are filled with sugary delights, from cookies and pies to candy and festive drinks. While it’s OK to indulge, try to limit how often you consume sugary foods. Excessive sugar can feed harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
- Oral health tip: Rinse your mouth with water after consuming sweets to help wash away sugar particles.
- Oral health tip: Opt for treats with lower sugar content when possible, like fresh fruits or dark chocolate in moderation.
2. Snack smart:
It’s tempting to graze on holiday snacks all day, but frequent snacking can increase the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. Instead, try to eat snacks in one sitting rather than throughout the day.
- Oral health tip: Choose snacks like cheese, nuts, and crunchy vegetables, which are less likely to harm your teeth and even help stimulate saliva production for natural cleansing.
3. Hydrate with water
Holiday beverages like eggnog, cider, and cocktails are festive but can be sugary and acidic, both of which aren’t ideal for your teeth. Drinking water not only helps rinse away sugar but also keeps you hydrated, reducing dry mouth, which can lead to an increase in bacteria.
- Oral health tip: Carry a water bottle with you during events to stay hydrated and rinse your mouth after sugary or acidic drinks.
4. Don’t skip your oral care routine
With holiday travel and late nights, it’s easy to skip brushing and flossing. But maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential in preventing plaque buildup and protecting your teeth from holiday indulgences.
- Oral health tip: Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily, focusing on cleaning around each tooth.
- Oral health tip: Consider packing a travel toothbrush and floss for convenience on the go.
5. Limit sticky and chewy foods
Sticky foods like caramel, toffee, and gummy candies can cling to teeth, increasing the risk of cavities. If you do enjoy sticky treats, try to brush and floss soon after to remove any particles that could harm your enamel.
- Oral health tip: Opt for less sticky alternatives, or eat sticky treats alongside your main meal when saliva production is higher, as it helps wash away food particles.
6. Schedule a post-holiday dental check-up
After the holidays is an excellent time to schedule a dental check-up. A professional cleaning will remove any plaque buildup and help you start the new year with a healthy smile.
- Oral health tip: Book an appointment early to beat the January rush and catch any potential issues before they worsen.
Don’t let the holidays wreck your oral health
The holiday season is a time for joy, food, and family, but it doesn’t have to mean a break from good oral health habits. By following these oral health tips, you can enjoy all the festivities while keeping your mouth healthy. After all, a bright and healthy smile is the best accessory you can wear to any holiday gathering!
