The holiday season is here, and now more than ever, we are tempted by chocolate treats, cakes, fizzy sweets, and alcoholic drinks that are hard to resist and avoid this time of year.

However, there are some things you can do during this Christmas and New Year time to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease in the New Year with our Dental Guide for Christmas and New Year Survival.

  1. LIMIT SNACKS

During the Christmas and New Year holidays, it sometimes feels like we eat all day. That’s why dentist Ivan Antolković recommends being mindful of what you eat between meals. Try to stick to options that are more tooth-friendly, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, low-sugar yogurts, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

  1. STICK TO YOUR ROUTINE

Don’t let your routine slip: continue to brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss or an oral irrigator (waterpik) at least once a day. During the holidays, teeth are bombarded with sugar and acids, which can lead to dental problems. It’s better to prevent than to treat.

  1. USE A BOTTLE OPENER – NOT YOUR TEETH!

Your teeth are not tools and are designed for speaking, eating, and smiling – don’t risk opening beer or wine bottles with your teeth. Don’t let a broken tooth spoil your holidays.

  1. WAIT BEFORE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH

After an attack of acidity from food and drinks, the enamel is weakened and it can take up to 1 hour for the enamel to recover and strengthen. It’s best to wait 30 minutes to an hour after eating/drinking sweet or acidic food and drinks before brushing your teeth.

  1. BE CAUTIOUS WITH DRINK CHOICES

Non-alcoholic drinks and yes, that bottle of champagne or wine, are full of sugar and acid that can damage your teeth and cause stains. Limit consumption, drink water in between, and finish with some cheese and nuts. Increased saliva production and exposure to calcium will help neutralize sugars and acids to protect your teeth and strengthen enamel.

Christmas and New Year are times to spend with family and friends and relax – but remember, Moderation is best!

And if your New’s Year resolution is to get a new smile, contact us on social media or at our website. If you are living abroad, our professional and kind staff will make your trip to Dental Center 4Smile a piece of cake – a kind that luckily won’t be harmful to your teeth! ;)