As we approach the festive season it’s time for our dental team to spread a little cheer and what better way to do this than by sharing our 12 days of dental care. At a time when everyone is counting down to the big day with advent calendars, apps and gifts, oral health can often get overlooked. So, to avoid pain and emergency dental bills, here’s our 12-day Christmas oral health plan to keep you smiling, not just over the holidays, but into the new year.
Follow our daily plan to build 12 tooth friendly habits into your oral care routine:
Day 1 - brush twice daily
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential to remove the film of bacteria, known as plaque, that can form on the surfaces of your teeth and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Tip: Set a reminder on your phone or leave your toothbrush somewhere in clear view, so you don’t forget to brush when you’re out of your normal routine over Christmas.
Day 2 - floss or use interdental brushes daily
Using floss, or an interdental brush, once a day helps to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. It helps reduce irritation around the gum line and prevent bleeding and gum disease.
Tip: Keep an extra packet of floss in your pocket, purse or desk drawer so you can get your daily interdental clean in, even if you forget at your usual brushing time.
Day 3 - limit sugary treats
Sugar is one of the main causes of cavities and gum disease, so tempting as it might be to reach for the tin of chocolates or another mince pie in between meals this Christmas, it’s always advisable to do so in moderation.
Tip: Swap sugary drinks for water or diluted fruit juice and limit sweet treats to meal times to protect your teeth from constant acid attack.
Day 4 - stay hydrated
Water washes away food particles, dilutes acid and encourages your mouth to produce more tooth-protecting saliva. Staying hydrated is your mouth’s first line of defence against tooth decay, so try incorporating more water into your daily routine to keep your teeth strong.
Tip: Carry a bottle of water around with you, so you can rehydrate wherever you are this festive season.
Day 5 - choose tooth-friendly snacks
Eating tooth friendly snacks, instead of sugary treats, helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Tip: It’s the season of cheese, so make the most of this calcium-packed snack. Plain nuts, fruits, carrot and celery sticks and yoghurt are also great tooth friendly snacks.
Day 6 - chew sugar free gum
Chewing sugar free gum after, or in between, meals helps to stimulate saliva production which can rinse away bacteria and reduce the amount of acid in your mouth.
Tip: Keep a packet of sugar free gum in your pocket or bag so you always have it to hand.
Day 7 - avoid hard sweets
Sucking hard sweets prolongs your teeth’s exposure to sugar, encouraging bacteria which can lead to plaque formation and tooth decay. Biting down on hard sweets can break or chip your teeth, often resulting in emergency treatment being required.
Tip: Swap hard sweets for frozen fruits or dark chocolate-dipped bananas to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Day 8 - use mouthwash
Using mouthwash can help to rinse away food debris and bacteria, freshen your breath and protect against gum inflammation.
Tip: Don’t use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth as this can wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste which is designed to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Day 9 - encourage the whole family to get involved in brushing time
Christmas is the perfect excuse to spend time together as a family, so why not get everyone involved in brushing time during the holidays? Make a new festive routine with Christmas tunes to make dental care fun for young children.
Tip: Search online for 2-minute Christmas songs that you can play in the background to encourage everyone to brush for the recommended two minutes.
Day 10 - don’t use your teeth as tools
Your teeth aren’t designed to withstand the lateral forces caused by gripping or holding things, so try not to use them as a bottle opener or sellotape dispenser this Christmas! Using your teeth as tools can result in chipped or broken teeth, worn down enamel or even jaw injuries, which may mean an unwanted emergency dental visit.
Tip: Keep all the tools you need to hand this Christmas by creating a useful box with scissors, tape, bottle openers, pens and pencils.
Day 11 - book a dental check up
Regular dental care check ups allow us to check for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer, as well as helping to prevent them. It’s easy to overlook your check up at this time of year, but if you do have to postpone, remember to rearrange your appointment for the new year so we can keep your teeth, mouth and gums in good health.
Tip: Life can feel like being in a whirlwind over Christmas, so if you don’t get a chance to make an appointment before the festivities begin, put an entry in your diary or calendar to remind you in early January.
Day 12 - reflect on your dental goals for the new year
Your oral health is connected to your overall wellbeing, so as you prepare to welcome in 2025, remember to also reflect on your oral health goals for the coming year. Whether it’s improving your day-to-day dental routine, enquiring about teeth whitening or starting your braces journey, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Tip: Make a list of dental care resolutions and cross them off as you achieve them. Even if it’s something simple such as getting a new toothbrush, stocking up on dental supplies or booking an overdue check up, you’ll feel a great sense of achievement when you tick something off your list.
Now that you’re 12 days closer to a healthier, happier smile, all that is left for us to do is wish you a very Happy Christmas🎄. We look forward to seeing you in our practice soon. If you need dental advice or assistance over the holidays, please get in touch.
