The holidays are a tempting time of year for your pearly whites. Dozens of holiday parties from Thanksgiving through New Years mean tons of fun for you, your family and friends. But, it can also be a dangerous time for your teeth, and believe us, having a dental emergency during the holidays is no fun. So here are some simple tips to keep in mind as the holiday season gets going.

1. Steer Clear of Chewy Treats and Hard Candies at the Dessert Table. Have some desserts, it’s the holidays and you deserve it. But, (I bet you knew there was a but) don’t overdo it of course, and be mindful when choosing a dessert. Believe it or not, there are sweets that are better to indulge in over others. We suggest staying away from any sticky, chewy candies and desserts like caramels and taffies. Not only do these treats stick to tooth enamel and promote tooth decay, but they can also pull out fillings. Munching on hard candies are also dangerous treats for your teeth because they can potentially crack and break your teeth. Steering clear of sticky and hard candies seems like a better alternative than an emergency trip to your dentist’s office over the holidays, don’t you agree?
2. Don’t Open Packages with Your Teeth. While ripping open gifts and plastic packaging, you might be tempted to use your chompers to help get the gift open. Although this might help break open the package, it can do nothing but harm to your pretty pearly whites by potentially cracking and breaking your teeth. Just grab some scissors, that way, you won’t have to worry about ruining your smile over the holidays.
3. Brush, Brush and Brush Some More. You may not have a dentist visit scheduled for a cleaning over the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t maintain your excellent periodontal health. Now more than ever, make sure to brush frequently. Eating and drinking foods with high sugar can cause tooth decay and cavities, so brushing after each meal and drinking water while eating can help eliminate the sugars from sticking to enamel. You don’t want your holiday gift to be a cavity, so be sure to brush and floss frequently.

The holidays are an exciting time of year, but don’t put your teeth on the back burner because of the holiday hustle and bustle. Enjoy the sweet treats in moderation, and don’t open packages with anything other than proper tools. Take these simple tips with you over the holidays so you can keep on smiling.