Between Christmas selfies with your family, toasts on New Year’s Eve, and all the general merriment this time of year, you will certainly have lots of opportunities to showcase your smile. Make sure you keep it looking its best through a mix of smart dietary choices and good dental hygiene. It is all-too-easy to over indulge at holiday parties, or to skip out on brushing your teeth after a long day of travel, but resist the urge, so that you can continue smiling proudly throughout the new year.

Resisting Temptation at the Holiday Party, Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene Is Key

You’re likely to encounter plate after plate of Christmas cookies and other decadent treats over the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you have to give into temptation. While an occasional treat is fine for most people, having too much sugar can lead to dental problems as well as health issues. Avoid the inclination to overdo it over the holidays, with these practical tips.

• Make sure to eat balanced meals, including fresh or lightly steamed vegetables and lean proteins. Skipping meals to try to “save calories” will likely only lead to overeating later in the day. Just like you don’t want to go to the grocery store on an empty stomach, you shouldn’t head to any holiday parties without having eaten a proper meal.
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also helpful to both your dental health and your overall wellbeing. It is especially important to stay hydrated when drinking caffeine or alcohol, which can both lead to dehydration, which can lead to plaque buildup and cavities.
• If you are going to enjoy a sweet treat, follow it up with water or sugar-free gum, which can help remove the sugars from the surface of your teeth.
• And always brush and floss your teeth, to keep your smile healthy between dental checkups. Don’t neglect six-month appointments, either, as those are a great time for the dentist to check for potential problems and keep your smile looking its best through basic preventive care.