How to Keep Your Teeth Sparkling

The winter months give you so many reasons to smile — from taking family photos, attending gatherings with friends and family, and spending quality time with people you love; there is no doubt this is a holly and jolly time of year.

However, with all of the delicious meals and sweet treats consumed during the holidays, it is pertinent to keep your pearly whites sparkling bright. Here are some tips to keep your smile shining this holiday season:

Stick to Your Routine

While the holiday season is full of fun and cheer, the celebrations can make it easy to lose track of your usual routine. Between parties, travel, and other traditions, the upkeep of your typical hygiene habits may be put on the back burner. Make your dental health a top priority by remembering to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time and floss at least once a day.

At-Home Whitening Tricks

Try some simple teeth whitening tricks to naturally brighten your smile before taking photos or having company come over!! Common household items such as coconut oil, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda have been proven to have whitening properties and are effective in getting rid of stains.

If you need a faster solution, Aesthetic Family Dentistry offers in-office whitening treatment options to make your smile up to 8 shades whiter in just 45 minutes.

Give the Gift of a Healthy Smile

Promote healthy oral hygiene habits by sneaking treats for your loved one’s teeth in their gifts this year! Little ones may find excitement in a new toothbrush with their favorite character on it or a new flavored toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes also make great gifts for loved ones and are highly effective in keeping your teeth clean. Adding packs of sugar-free gum also makes for an added stocking stuffer, which is less harmful to your teeth than other candies.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Although the holidays are full of delicious desserts and your favorite family recipes, what you put in your mouth matters! Foods like raw fruits and vegetables are full of fiber and vitamin C, keeping your gums healthy and strong. Crisp fruits and vegetables also help brush the plaque and bacteria off the surface of your teeth, preventing tooth decay.

Eating foods that are sticky or chewy will increase your risk for tooth decay. Be sure to eat sweets and starches in moderation and always wash them down by drinking water immediately afterward.

Reduce Sugary Beverages

Around the holidays, people are more likely to indulge in drinking sugary beverages and alcoholic cocktails. However, these drinks can be highly detrimental to your oral health. Sugary beverages cause harmful bacteria to produce acid, resulting in the breakdown of your enamel and causing cavities or erosion.

While eliminating sugary beverages is best, drinking them in moderation during holiday parties will help your teeth effectively. Try drinking these drinks through a straw to bypass and protect your teeth. It is also helpful to drink water in between sugary beverages to wash away any plaque or bacteria on the surface of your teeth.

Schedule Your Dental Check-Up at Aesthetic Family Dentistry

Don’t make better oral hygiene your new year’s resolution; start as soon as possible. In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing once daily, it is pertinent to schedule your bi-annual dental check-up.

Routine cleanings are critical to your oral health, and the team at Aesthetic Family Dentistry has the necessary tools to do a deep cleaning that eliminates plaque and harmful bacteria. We are your one-stop-shop for all of your dental needs.

Schedule your appointment today by contacting us online or calling us at (845) 209-2500.