Whether you’re visiting family or enjoying festive meals, the holiday season is usually a time to smile. But if you want to keep that smile bright and healthy, you’ll want to keep your dental health in mind as you finish the year. If you want your first dentist appointment of 2019 to be a successful one, here are five ways you can protect your teeth and gums from common holiday hazards.

5 Ways to Protect Your Smile Over the Holidays

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is common during the holidays—especially if you’ve had a sweaty ski experience or have been drinking too much coffee and tea. Without enough fluids in your body, you can develop dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. For this reason, it’s critical to make sure you drink enough water every day.

2. Don’t Give Oral Hygiene a Vacation

While you might be off of work or away from school during the holidays, you should still brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once daily. If you skimp on your oral hygiene schedule, you face a much higher risk of problems that require professional care from a dentist.

3. Choose Sugar-Free Snacks

From hot chocolate to cookie platters, many holiday treats expose your teeth to heaps of sugar. Since sugar can stick to teeth and fuel harmful cavity-causing bacteria, it’s best to limit your intake of sweet snacks and opt for healthier choices instead—such as veggies, fruits, and cheese. If you do give into your sweet tooth, be sure to rinse with water and brush your teeth after you snack to reduce your risk of cavities.

4. Never Use Teeth as Tools

Teeth are tough, but they shouldn’t be used as tools as you celebrate festivities. Using your choppers to tear open packages or crack nuts, for example, may cause your teeth to chip or crack. When this happens, your dentist may need to resort to costly restorative treatments to repair your damaged teeth.

5. Shield Yourself From Sensitivity

Cold temperatures are known to trigger tooth sensitivity—an uncomfortable, sporadic sensation that feels somewhat like a toothache. While dental sensitivity may not cause long-lasting problems, you can still protect yourself from these symptoms by using desensitizing toothpaste that helps block nerve activity within the teeth.

If you encounter dental problems this holiday season—or any time in the New Year—you can count on the team at North Bullitt Family Dental for relief. As a leading family dentistry clinic in Bullitt County, these professionals are equipped to provide everything from routine teeth cleanings to emergency root canals. Whatever the reason for your visit, this local dentist is committed to delivering a personalized, friendly experience that will make dental care less stressful. Visit this provider online to learn more about their comprehensive services, and call (502) 955-1606 to schedule a convenient appointment at their Shepherdsville, KY, office.