How to help your teeth survive the holidays

The holidays are here and while we’re looking forward to the fun and family, you teeth aren’t looking forward to the onslaught of sugar and sweets. In order to make it out of the holidays with your chompers intact, we’ve got 3 easy tips (beyond brushing and flossing!) to help your teeth survive the holidays.

1. Drink lots of water
Although you should brush your teeth after eating sticky, sweet, or sour foods, chances are you won’t be able to reach for a toothbrush immediately after every indulgence. To help tide you over, try to drink a lot of water throughout the day and with your meals and desserts. This will help supplement your saliva by helping to wash away sugars and acids and keeping them from clinging to your teeth and creating cavities.

2. Rely on the crudités
It’s okay to indulge during the holidays, but it will help your teeth and your waistline if you have just a few treats and instead hit up the crudité platter. The array of full of fresh, healthy veggies are packed full of vitamins and minerals that strengthen teeth, especially if you pair them with a healthy yogurt-based tzatziki dip for extra calcium, or a health hummus with olive oil.

3. Give the gift of good oral health
The holidays are a great time to restock on essentials you’ll use throughout the year, as well as splurge on special items. We’ve just so happened to put together a great gift guide full of great ways to take care of your teeth in the new year, like a top-of-the-line electric toothbrush or a big ol’ bottle of multi-purpose mouthwash. This is especially true if you’ve been using a ratty old manual brush that needs replacing! So, whether you need stocking stuffers for the family or you need something to round out your own wish list, take a look and see what you could use to keep your mouth healthy.

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, there are lots of extra ways to help protect your teeth against all of the yummy foods you’ll eat this holiday season. Got a holiday health tip to share? Let us know in the comments!