With the holidays just around the corner, many of us anticipate all those holiday delicacies that this time of year is known for. While your taste buds are relishing every moment, however, have you ever thought about how this time of year can impact your teeth and gums? While we don’t want to put a damper on the joys of the holiday season, it pays to practice good oral care during the holiday season to keep your teeth healthy.

Today, Advanced Indiana will be giving you a few tips that you can use to care for your teeth during the holidays. With a few simple steps taken during holiday get-togethers, meals, and parties, you can minimize the damage done to your teeth and gums. Here’s what you should keep in mind as the holiday season approaches.
Why is it Important to Care for Your Teeth During the Holiday Season? (h3 heading)
One thing that’s important to know this holiday season is that eating and drinking sugary foods and drinks for a prolonged period can significantly increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. When it comes to the holiday season, the types of foods that can cause harm to your oral health are in ample supply.

For this reason, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene during the holidays. Your teeth and gums will thank you! But how can you ensure that you’re doing the most that you can to keep your gums and teeth healthy? Let’s talk about it!

1. Eat Foods That Are Healthy for Your Teeth

While you should permit yourself to splurge a bit during the holidays, it’s a good idea to balance out all the unhealthy foods you’ll be eating with foods that are better on your teeth and gums. Try your best to eat plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and of course, drink plenty of water. You’ll be glad you did your best to prioritize healthier foods when you don’t have to pay for the dental services that come hand and hand with tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Avoid Foods that Can Cause Damage to Your Teeth and Gums

As crucial as prioritizing healthier foods this holiday season is, it is equally important to avoid foods that can be less than beneficial for your teeth. Foods that are gummy, sugary, chewy, hard, or sticky are delicious. Still, they can harm your oral health. When it comes to the standard holiday staples like candy canes, chestnuts, and mints, it’s best to say no whenever possible. Still, we know that turning down these delicious holiday foods can be difficult.
For this reason, we recommend simply eating these foods in moderation. It may help you to harness your willpower by thinking of each candy cane as a potential charge for a dental filling instead. When you start thinking about your favorite holiday foods in these terms, it’s much easier to say no.

3. Keep Practicing Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Good oral hygiene habits are so important, and they become even more critical when the holiday season rolls around. You should set your intention to practice good oral hygiene as much as possible. This includes brushing and flossing twice per day and using mouthwash frequently.

While it may not be the most fun part of your holiday schedule, these essential practices will keep your gums and teeth healthy. Lastly, don’t forget about those all-important checkups with your dentist! The best way to ensure you’re staying on track in oral hygiene practices is to regularly book an appointment with your local dentist.

4. Enjoy Light-Colored or Clear Beverages this Holiday Season

The holidays can pose a significant risk to progress for those who have invested a lot of time into teeth whitening. Why? Well, beverages like red wine (a staple of the holidays for many people) can stain your teeth, quickly undoing all the hard work you’ve put into keeping a bright, white smile.

To keep your teeth as white as possible during the holidays, go with light-colored or clear beverages instead to minimize the effects on your teeth. Not only will they still be delicious, but they also won’t have the same damaging impact on the brightness of your smile.
Let Advanced Indiana Guide You on Your Journey to Better Oral Health This Holiday Season and Beyond! (h1 heading)
Now that you know some of our recommendations for the best ways to practice good dental care during the holidays, it’s time to book an appointment with a local dentist you can trust! Here at Advanced Indiana, we specialize in the dental services that make a real difference in your journey to better oral health.

This holiday season and beyond, we want to be there for you to answer all your questions and help you keep your gums and teeth as healthy as possible. With the holidays right around the corner, there’s no better time to make a personal New Year’s resolution to practice better dental care. Let us be there for you! Contact us today.

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