Protecting Your Teeth Through the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for fun, family, and plenty of delicious food. But between the sweet treats, festive drinks, and busy schedules, it’s also a time when your teeth can face extra challenges. Our team at Anderson Family Dental is here to help you enjoy a healthy holiday season, even if it means helping you through an unexpected dental emergency in Winter Park, FL.

The good news is that a few simple habits can help protect your smile while still letting you enjoy every part of the season. Here’s how to keep your teeth healthy, strong, and cavity-free all the way through the holidays and into the new year.

ENJOY HOLIDAY TREATS WITHOUT STRESSING YOUR SMILE

Cookies, candy canes, and chocolate are everywhere this time of year. You don’t have to avoid them completely, but it does help to understand which treats are tougher on your teeth.

Sticky and chewy treats like caramels, toffee, gumdrops, and even dried fruit tend to cling to your teeth for a long time. When sugar sticks around, cavity-causing bacteria have more time to feed on it. If you enjoy these treats, try to eat them with a meal instead of snacking throughout the day. Drinking water or rinsing afterward also helps wash away leftover sugar.

Hard candies and candy canes can cause extra trouble. Not only do they bathe your teeth in sugar for several minutes while they dissolve, but biting down on them can chip or crack a tooth. If you love them, let them melt slowly instead of crunching.

Chocolate, cookies, and cakes are easier to rinse away than sticky or hard candies. Dark chocolate is an especially good option since it usually contains less sugar. Still, be mindful of how often you snack, as constant grazing can lead to constant acid attacks on your enamel.

BE MINDFUL WHEN YOU SIP

Sugary drinks and acidic beverages are everywhere during the holidays, from sparkling wine and mulled cider to hot cocoa and seasonal lattes.

Sodas, cocktails, and sparkling wines are tough on teeth because the sugar and acid work together to weaken enamel. You can still enjoy them, just try to sip water in between drinks, avoid swishing them around in your mouth, and use a straw when it makes sense.

Drinks like coffee, tea, and flavored lattes can stain teeth over time. Many holiday versions are loaded with syrups, caramel, and whipped cream, which add a lot of sugar. If you look forward to these treats all year, enjoy them! Just try not to make them a daily habit. If your teeth look a little dingy, don’t worry. We can always help with professional teeth whitening in Winter Park!

KEEP UP YOUR DAILY ROUTINE (EVEN WHEN YOU ARE BUSY OR TRAVELING)

The holidays often mean late nights, travel plans, or running from one event to another. With all the excitement, it’s easy to let brushing and flossing slip. But this is the time your teeth need your attention the most.

Try to stick to brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Floss once a day, even if it feels like one more thing to fit in. If you’re traveling, pack a small dental kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss picks, and mouthwash so you’re never caught without your essentials.

It also helps to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water washes away food particles and keeps your mouth from becoming too acidic. Plus, it keeps you hydrated during a busy, social season!

MANAGE YOUR STRESS AND AVOID BAD HABITS

Not everything about the holidays is relaxing. Travel delays, shopping lists, end-of-year deadlines, and family gatherings can create stress, and your teeth can feel the effects.

Many people clench or grind their teeth more often when they’re stressed, especially at night. This can lead to jaw soreness, headaches, and worn-down enamel. 

If you notice these symptoms, get in touch with your team about getting a nightguard, which protects your teeth and helps minimize strain on your jaw joints! Gently stretching and massaging your jaw muscles, applying a warm compress, and taking it easy on tough, chewy foods can also help.

Another common habit that can cause big problems during the holidays is using your teeth as tools. It may be tempting to tear open a package, bite tape, or crack a nut with your teeth, but this can easily chip or damage them. Keep scissors, nutcrackers, or bottle openers nearby so your teeth stay safe.

CHOOSE FOODS THAT HELP YOUR SMILE

Not all holiday foods are harmful to your teeth. Some seasonal favorites actually help protect your mouth.

• Cheese helps neutralize acids and strengthens enamel with calcium

• Nuts provide minerals like calcium and phosphorus to promote strong teeth

• Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help clean your teeth naturally

• Lean proteins support healthy gums and strong tooth structure

Adding these items to your holiday meals and snack boards helps balance out the sugary treats.

KNOW WHAT TO DO IN A DENTAL EMERGENCY

Accidents happen, especially during the busiest time of year. Whether you chip a tooth, lose a filling, or develop sudden tooth pain, knowing what to do can make a big difference.

Here are a few general tips:

• If something feels wrong, rinse gently with warm water and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. 

• Over-the-counter pain relief can help you stay comfortable until you can get the care you need.

• You can use dental or orthodontic wax (available at most pharmacies) to cover sharp edges from broken teeth or damaged appliances. Sugar-free gum can work in a pinch.

• Never touch the root of a tooth that’s been knocked out. Keep it in milk or saliva and get to an emergency dentist near you, preferably within an hour. 

• It’s also smart to keep our number saved in your phone just in case.

Dental emergencies can derail any holiday celebration, and the last thing you need is to be left scrambling to find an emergency dentist! If you’re unsure whether you need emergency care or if it can wait a few days, give us a call so we can help you figure out the best course of action.

ENJOY A SMILE-SMART HOLIDAY SEASON BY PROTECTING YOUR TEETH

You don’t have to miss out on your favorite holiday foods or drinks to keep your teeth healthy. With smart choices and a solid daily routine, you can enjoy every celebration and keep your smile strong all season long. If you have questions or need help protecting your dental health this holiday season, our team is here to help! Happy holidays from all of us at Anderson Family Dental.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

---

Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD

Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE