It's that time of year again - holidays are just around the corner. During this festive season, many people feel overwhelmed with all of their responsibilities and let themselves go a little bit more than usual. But there is one thing you should never neglect: dental health! Here are some quick tips for maintaining your teeth throughout the holidays.

Brush Twice a Day
It's essential to brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure you brush after every meal and make it part of your nightly routine before bedtime. Brushing twice a day can help remove plaque and bacteria, which can cause cavities and other dental problems.

Floss at Least Once a Day
Flossing is another crucial part of oral hygiene. Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria between your teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach. It's important to floss at least once a day, but ideally, you should floss after every meal. During holidays, try to schedule flossing into your daily planner to avoid falling off of your priority list. Starting a flossing routine now can make it much easier to maintain good dental health in the future.

Protect Your Teeth with Mouth Guards
The holiday season is full of fun and excitement, but it can also be dangerous if injuries are involved. A single brutal hit to the face or mouth could cause severe damage to your teeth. Mouth guards help protect your teeth from these types of threats. If you participate in football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, basketball, etc., wearing a mouth guard is essential. You can purchase mouth guards at most sporting goods stores or have them custom-made by your dentist.

Avoid Sugary Drinks and Snacks
One of the main reasons patients get cavities is because they consume too many sugary drinks and snacks. These types of foods and drinks can cause plaque to form on your teeth, leading to cavities. It's essential to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, especially during the holidays when you are more likely to consume them. Drinking lots of water throughout the day is an easy way to ensure your teeth aren't getting too much sugar at once.

Use Fluoride
Fluoride is hugely beneficial for healthy teeth! Look into using fluoride toothpaste, which you can purchase at any supermarket or drug store. Several other products contain fluoride, including mouthwash and water. Fluoride enhances the strength of your teeth and has been linked to strengthening tooth enamel.

Drink Plenty of Water
Water is essential for good oral health and hygiene. Make sure you drink plenty of water every day – especially during the holidays when you're more likely to consume sugary drinks and snacks. Water helps wash away plaque and bacteria from your teeth, and it also helps keep your mouth moist. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath and a host of dental problems.

Brush After Sweets and Treats
Sugar is one of the main culprits for cavities and other dental problems. It's important to avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as possible, especially during the holiday season. If you're going to indulge in a sweet treat, make sure you brush your teeth afterward.

Use Mouthwash or Other Dental Products for Fresh Breath
Bad breath can be embarrassing and unpleasant. Luckily, there are several ways to combat bad breath. One way is to implement a mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine. Many different products help fight bad breath, schedule an appointment at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa to discuss solutions for bad breath.

Eat Foods Rich in Fiber, Calcium, and Vitamin C
Fiber, calcium, and vitamin C are three nutrients that can help keep your teeth healthy. Eating foods rich in these nutrients helps fight plaque formation, which means better oral health! Foods like strawberries, spinach, oranges, and other citrus fruits contain high calcium and vitamin C. Eating foods with fiber like apples will promote good saliva production, which is essential for tooth remineralization.

Taking care of your teeth is essential no matter what time of year. Make sure to practice good oral hygiene habits this holiday season. One habit to stay on top of is your routine dental checkups. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.