Holiday Survival Guide: Keeping Your Smile Bright Through the Season

To keep your smile bright during the holiday season, brush and floss daily, limit stain-causing treats like red wine and coffee, stay hydrated, and schedule a post-holiday dental cleaning. Preventive care and smart food choices can protect your teeth and keep your smile sparkling through the festivities.

Why the Holidays Can Hurt Your Smile

The holidays are a time for celebration—but also a time of:

• Sugary foods and drinks

• Increased snacking

• Busy schedules that disrupt routines

• Red wine, coffee, and staining sauces

• Elevated stress levels

All of these can impact your oral health and dull your bright smile.

Tip 1: Stick to a Solid Oral Care Routine

Holidays get hectic, but skipping your dental routine is a mistake.

Daily Musts:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

• Floss daily (even on Christmas Eve!)

• Use alcohol-free mouthwash

• Consider an electric toothbrush for better plaque removal

Tip: Keep a travel toothbrush in your purse or car for holiday visits and overnight stays.

Tip 2: Watch Out for Smile-Staining Culprits

Some of your favorite holiday treats can cause major discoloration:

Common Stain-Causing Foods & Drinks:

• Red wine

• Coffee and hot chocolate

• Cranberry sauce

• Balsamic vinegar

• Soy sauce

• Dark berries

If you indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward and avoid brushing immediately (this can wear enamel if your mouth is acidic).

Tip 3: Limit Sugar—Especially Sticky Sweets

Candy canes, toffees, and gingerbread cookies might make the season sweet, but they feed cavity-causing bacteria.

Better Choices:

• Sugar-free gum with xylitol

• Cheese (neutralizes acid)

• Crunchy veggies

• Dark chocolate (less sugar, melts quickly)

Tip 4: Stay Hydrated to Protect Your Teeth

Dry mouth = higher cavity risk. Alcohol, caffeine, and salty foods dehydrate you quickly.

Smile-Saving Hydration Tips:

• Drink plenty of water, especially with meals

• Use a humidifier if your home is dry

• Suck on sugar-free lozenges to stimulate saliva

Bonus: Water helps rinse away food particles and reduce acidity.

Tip 5: Don’t Skip Your Dental Appointments

End-of-year benefits? Use them! Preventive care during or after the holidays can:

• Remove stains and tartar

• Catch small issues before they worsen

• Refresh your breath and polish your smile

Bonus: Professional Whitening for a Holiday Glow

Want your smile to shine for photos and parties?

Ask us about:

• In-office teeth whitening for fast results

• Custom take-home trays for gradual brightening

• Combining whitening with a cleaning or polish

Holiday selfies never looked better!

FAQ: Smile Care During the Holidays

1. What’s the best way to prevent stains from wine or coffee?

Drink through a straw when possible, rinse with water after drinking, and brush gently later.

2. Can I whiten my teeth before or during the holidays?

Yes! In-office whitening offers immediate results. Book early to look your best for parties and photos.

3. What if I eat a lot of sweets during the holidays?

Brush more frequently, floss daily, drink water, and schedule a cleaning in January to minimize long-term damage.

4. Should I skip my December dental cleaning?

No! It's the perfect time to use insurance benefits and start the new year fresh.

5. Do whitening toothpastes work for holiday stains?

They help maintain results but aren’t as effective as professional whitening for deep or old stains.

Call to Action: Keep Your Smile Bright All Season Long

At Avalon Dental Center, we’re here to help you keep your smile bright, healthy, and holiday-ready.

Call us today at (617) 374-9500 or book your appointment online to schedule your cleaning or whitening visit and finish the year with confidence.