With food, family, and festivities the holidays are a fun time of year. But, all of those schedule disruptions and tempting sweets and foods can cause a dip in your teeth cleaning and oral care routine. Don’t fall behind on your oral health over the holidays. Below are four tips you should follow for a healthier holiday smile.

Dental Advice for the Holiday Season

1. Schedule an Appointment With Your Dentist

Before the holiday rush begins, schedule a teeth cleaning and exam with a trusted dentist for after the holidays. Scheduling it in advance will make you more mindful of your dental health throughout the holidays if you know the appointment is approaching. It also allows your dental team to assess the condition of your teeth after the holidays and provide treatment if early signs of gum disease or cavities are detected.

2. Avoid Dark Beverages & Foods

If you value a white, bright smile, try to reduce your intake of highly-pigmented, acidic foods and beverages. Cranberries, red wines, dark liquors, sodas, and other similar items can stain your teeth due to the concentration of dark pigments. When you add their acidity into the mix, the stains can penetrate the enamel as the acid softens it. If you do consume dark, acidic foods or drinks, swish thoroughly with water to rid your mouth of acid and staining agents.

3. Only Use Your Teeth for Eating

Though teeth are strong, they weren’t made to be used as bottle openers, scissors, or corkscrews. Don’t use your teeth to open presents, cut ribbons, pull corks out of wine bottles, unscrew lids, or other similar actions. Exerting that much force on your teeth can cause damage, such as chips, cracks, or knocking them out of their sockets.

4. Know Your Dental Options When Traveling

If you’re traveling to see friends or family during the holidays, look into local dental offices to know your options in case of a dental emergency. Find an office that you like or that your family recommends and keep their contact information on hand. You should also take your regular dental physician’s contact information with you, in case you can’t reach anyone else.

For high-quality, professional dental care during the holidays, contact Pure Dental Care NY in New York City, NY. Located in the upscale Manhattan near Central Park and Trump Plaza, this dental office provides compassionate care performed by an experienced dentist and support team. Their services are skilled and comprehensive, from teeth cleaning to dental implants and gum disease treatment. Their facility is comfortable, advanced, and designed to put you at ease during your visit. View their full services online, and call (212) 256-1292 to schedule your first appointment.