Between trips to grandma’s and an unreasonable amount of time at the mall, the holiday season is one that can frequently derail even the most ardent of hygiene routines. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and it certainly shouldn’t, if you care about your oral health. So don’t let busy schedules filled with merriment bring the end of your good oral health. Instead make a little extra effort to take great care of your teeth this Christmas season, so you can start the New Year happy, and with a healthy smile!

What Is Required Daily?

It is important that you both brush and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This is especially true if you have been indulging in a lot of sweet treats, which are notoriously responsible for creating cavities.

Though most people believe it’s sufficient to brush twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, it is actually better to brush a third time, after eating, around midday, to limit the time acids from foods and beverages rest on the enamel of your teeth.

You also need to make sure you drink plenty of water, which can be particularly easy to overlook during cold winter months when you’re likely craving comforting beverages like cocoa, cider or hot coffee.

Why Is Water So Important?

Not only is water essential to keeping your whole body hydrated; it also helps you produce saliva, which is a key plaque fighter. If, even after drinking plenty of water, you still notice that your mouth seems dry frequently, you may have chronic dry mouth, which can lead to a host of dental problems including cavities and gum disease. To combat this, talk to your preventive dentist about the issue. He or she may be able to diagnose the cause of the dry mouth, and recommend treatment. In many cases, a special mouth rinse designed to fight the dry mouth can help. But you may also find you need to cut back on alcohol or caffeine to keep your mouth healthy.