Maintain Your Smile During the Festive Season

The holidays can be a busy time and often we lose track of our daily routines, including our oral health care routine. So to help you out, here are 8 quick tips to make sure you keep your holiday smile as bright as it can be this festive season!

1. Schedule a pre-holiday dental appointment
   Get a head start with planning your holidays by booking an appointment with us so we can make sure your oral health is on point. We know with a healthy smile, you can take over your entire to-do list in no time! And remember, time is running out if your dental benefits reset in the New Year, so now is a great time to take advantage and use any insurance coverage you have left this year before it is lost!
   And, if you have children under the age of 12, check out the information about the new Canada Dental Benefit!
2. Control your sugar consumption
   We are surrounded by candy canes, cookies, peppermint lattes, and caramel popcorn. Eat them all, but in moderation, especially if you are eating sticky candies or fudgy chocolates as they tend to get stuck to your teeth. Make sure you drink lots of water and don't forget to brush and floss your teeth twice a day!
3. Limit your alcohol consumption
   We are not trying to kill your vibe, we promise! As much as this is the season for eggnogs and wine, unfortunately, red wine can stain your teeth and too much alcohol can dry out your mouth. Dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and gun disease, as well as bad breath. That being said, consume in moderation and you are all set!
4. Drink water
   We cannot stress this enough, especially after eating candy, sticky food, or consuming alcohol! Again, drinking plenty of water helps to reduce the risks associated with dry mouth and wash away food particles.
5. Sugar-free gum could be your next BFF Whether you are at work or at the mall, it's hard not to snack on these treats. When brushing and flossing throughout the day is not always possible chewing on a piece of sugar-free gum after your meals is an easy way to take care of your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum helps boost the flow of saliva, which flushes out food remains and freshens up your breath. But brush and floss whenever you can!
6. Travel Smart
   Are you travelling this holiday season? Don't forget those must-have oral health supplies during your travels to keep your smile fresh while on the go, and then once you are settled in your holiday destination. Just stash a toothbrush, floss, a mini tube of toothpaste, and even a mini bottle of mouthwash in your toiletries bag.
7. Be prepared for emergencies
   We hope your holidays wont' be interrupted by a dental emergency, but if you do run into a problem, contact us right away. We will be open most days during the holidays, and on days we are closed, we will be monitoring our email and phones for emergencies. However, it is a good idea to have over-the-counter pain relievers for minor problems to keep you more comfortable until you reach our office. You can reach out to us by calling 416-223-2151 or emailing info@dr-kay.net.
8. Schedule a post-holiday cleaning
   Once the holidays are over, remember to schedule your next dental appointment to keep your oral health care routine on track going into the New Year!

Happy Holidays!

Sources:

• WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/holiday-smile
• Ontario Dental Association: https://www.oda.ca/oral-health-basics/care-disease-prevention/