At Christmas, we can all be guilty of over-indulgence, busy calendars and getting into lazy habits.
With all the excitement and joy, it can be easy to neglect usual daily routines, including oral health. According to GOV.UK, 77% of adults brush their teeth at least twice a day; however, with the fast-paced season, changes in diets, and time constraints, these routines can slip.
To keep your smile healthy and bright this season, here are five habits to watch out for and how to maintain healthy, bright teeth during the festive season:
- Binging on sweet treats
- The ‘Prosecco Smile’
- Using teeth as tools
- Skipping regular routines
- Neglecting dental appointments
Binging on sweet treats
Overindulging in sweet treats at Christmas is tempting, but it can have a lasting impact on teeth. Sticky foods, in particular, can be especially harmful as they tend to cling to teeth and are much harder to clean off. These foods can remain on your teeth for hours, providing the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, which increases the risk of cavities and decay. To minimise this, it’s a good idea to restrict your sweet treats to lunch or dinner time, limiting the frequency of sugar attacks and reducing the amount of sugar your teeth are exposed to.
Instead, look to eat cheese, turkey, and crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery to increase vitamin intake and help stimulate saliva production, which naturally washes away food particles and neutralises acids, reducing the risk of sugar-rotten teeth.
The ‘Prosecco Smile’
The term “Prosecco smile” refers to the visible signs of early stages of tooth decay that can occur when frequent consumption of Prosecco and other acidic drinks impacts the most visible part of your smile: your front teeth.
Prosecco is particularly harmful due to its high sugar content and carbonation, which can wear away the protective enamel layer on your teeth. While occasional consumption won’t cause much harm, the increasing popularity of Prosecco has led to more frequent cases of enamel erosion, contributing to tooth decay, sensitivity, and discolouration.
Red wine and fizzy soft drinks, too, can lead to similar issues; they not only contribute to enamel damage, but they also stain teeth. The dark pigments in said drinks can leave behind stained teeth which can be difficult to remove and result in teeth whitening treatment. Acidic drinks, such as fizzy pop, also erode enamel over time, leading to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to cavities. Additionally, foods like vinegar, turmeric, and curry can stain both natural teeth and dental composites, especially if they’re consumed soon after getting a composite bonding or filling.
To protect your smile, consider drinking through a straw to minimise contact with your teeth, and always follow up with a good rinse or brushing to prevent stained teeth. Alcohol can also dehydrate you, leaving your mouth dry and more prone to decay, so it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help rinse away food particles and sugar.
Using your teeth as tools
Both children and adults can damage their teeth when using them for anything other than chewing food. One popular, yet dangerous, habit among adults is popping bottle caps with teeth. While it may seem easier than looking for a bottle opener, or a fun party trick, it can lead to chipped or broken teeth. Similarly, using teeth to twist open screw-top bottles can exert unnatural pressure, risking serious damage.
Another common mistake is using teeth to open packages and carrying items when their hands are full. Teeth are not designed for this, and doing so can damage both teeth and the jaw, and the same goes for nibbling on things such as pens or fingernails.
Skipping regular routines
Late nights and busy schedules can make it tempting to skip regular oral hygiene routines. However, skipping brushing and flossing can quickly take a toll on your teeth. To keep your smile healthy, follow the 2-2-2 rule: brush and floss for two minutes, twice a day, and visit your dentist two times a year. Sticking to this routine is essential, especially with a higher sugar intake at Christmas to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Water flossers have gained popularity at home in 2024 for their ability to clean between teeth and along the gumline more effectively than traditional floss, especially for those with braces or dental implants. If you haven’t yet added one to your dental routine, now’s the perfect time to put one on your Christmas wishlist.
Missing dental appointments
Regular visits to the dentist are crucial for maintaining a healthy and bright smile. Missing check-ups can allow small issues like plaque buildup or early decay to worsen, potentially leading to severe problems such as infections or even the need for an emergency tooth extraction – something nobody wants to face at Christmas.
At Space Dental, we recommend scheduling check-ups and hygiene appointments at least twice a year to monitor your oral health and address concerns early. This is especially important during and after the holidays when indulgence in sugary treats and acidic drinks is high. Regular professional hygiene treatments can remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t tackle, leaving your teeth healthier and your smile brighter. Find out more about our regular dental plans.
If your calendar is packed with festivities, consider booking an appointment before or after the Christmas period to give your teeth the extra care they need.
