During the activities of the holidays, many people let dental care fall to the wayside. However, you don’t want an unexpected cavity or a surprise trip to the dentist to ruin your family time. Use the following oral health tips to make it safely through the holiday season.

How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy This Holiday Season

1. Build a Travel Pack

If you’re traveling for the holidays, don’t let your dental routine slip. Build a travel pack with a travel-sized toothpaste, floss, toothbrush, and mouthwash. Store your retainer and orthodontic equipment in secure cases to ensure proper oral health.

2. Watch What You Eat

While there will be many sweet treats around, practice moderation and mindfulness during the holiday season. If possible, avoid cakes, donuts, and sugary desserts, as these will fuel bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Stay away from hard candies that may crack your teeth and sticky sweets that can get stuck.

Carry a pack of sugar-free gum around, as chewing can help you dislodge stuck food. It also encourages saliva production. Throughout the day, saliva will create a natural rinse in your mouth that keeps decay-causing bacteria at bay.

3. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

When it comes to opening presents, never use your teeth as a tool. It’s easy to chip your tooth on hard packaging. The consequences can range from slight discomfort to a trip to the dentist for a dental bond or crown to cover a severe fracture. Opening gifts this way can also damage your tongue or cheek, so use the appropriate tools — not your mouth.

Before you head out for the holidays, check in with a dentist at All Bright Dental to ensure your teeth won’t cause any unexpected discomfort. They’re proud to be a leading dental care provider in the Mamaroneck, NY, area. Their skilled team offers a wide scope of services, including cosmetic dentistry enhancements, emergency care, and pediatric dentistry services. Visit their website to learn more about their work and call (914) 698-5228 to schedule a teeth cleaning.