Enjoying your favorite holiday sweetsonoccasionis perfectly acceptable. However,balancing the excess sugar by incorporating more healthy foods in your diet willbenefityouroral health. Eating more crunchy fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meatswillpromote a clean, healthy smile.  

Steerclear ofsticky, hard, orchewy sweets like candy canes, candied nuts, and caramels.These confectionsstick to the teeth, elevating the risk of tooth decay. Instead, choose soft sweets that easily wash away with saliva, like sugar cookies, sweet breads, or eggnog. 

The holiday hustle and bustle often disruptsour daily routines, but prioritizing daily oral care is a key defense against unwelcome tooth decay. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day andflossbetween each toothat least once daily. By staying true to youroral careroutine,you can look forward to a clean bill of health from your dentist in the New Year. 

Teeth are designedfor chewing food, not openinggifts. Using your teethas a toolto tearopen a shipping parcel or presentcan be a one-way ticket to a dental emergency appointmentfor a cracked tooth. It is always worth it to take the time to find a pair of scissors to open stubborn packages.  

Festivedrinksare often flowing at holiday gatherings. Still, it isimportant to be aware thatdark soda, red wine, coffee, and fruit juices are prone to staining teeth. If you are notcarefulwith your beverage choices, you may notice the hue of your teeth changing overtheseason. Stick todrinking light-colored beveragesto ensure your teeth stay white and bright.  

Between holiday shopping, decorating, and spending time with loved ones, drinking enough water may become an afterthought.Nevertheless, maintainingproper hydration is crucial for your oral health. Hydration promotes a healthy saliva flow, which helps your mouth maintaina good pH balance, wash away excess bacteria and food particles, and freshen breath. Most people should aim to drink at least four to sixcups of water a day to stay adequately hydrated. 

While it may betempting to snack ona cookie trayorotherseasonal treatsthat are around the house during the holidays,resistdoing sothroughout the day. Each time you consumehigh-sugar or carbohydrate foods,bacteriain the mouthproduceacidsthat wear down tooth enamel.To minimize the daily exposure of acid to your teeth, try to only eat foods known to cause tooth decay right after your meals. 

Although snackingon most foods isnotgreat for oral health, cheese is anexception. Cheese isrich in calcium and phosphorus, which is vital for bone health. Additionally, the casein and whey protein help strengthen enamel to protect against cavities. Nonetheless, it isimportant to choose your cheese wisely. Optfor minimally processed options like aged, soft-ripened, and blue cheeses. Beware of highly processed cheese products such as dips, sprays, and American cheese, as they can elevate the risk of cavities due to added sugars. 

Holiday parties often extend into the late hours of the night, and the last thing on most people's minds when they return home is brushing their teeth. However, a practical solution is to bring an oral hygiene kit that includes a toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, and some floss to the event. You can discreetly slip away to the bathroom after you havefinished eating for the night to freshen up your smile. As an added benefit, you can have peace of mind knowing you will notbe the guest wandering around the party with spinach stuck between theirteeth.