9 ways to a happy, healthy smile this Christmas

Christmas is the time when we notoriously overindulge, watch Love Actually and Elf on repeat & forget what day of the week it is! Bliss right? It’s a time to enjoy yourself and relax (once the Christmas shopping is done!) after a stressful year, however it’s also important not to forget about your teeth & health during this time of year.

1. Don’t ditch the routine

Ever get that ‘what day of the week is it?’ feeling during the Christmas break? It’s very common and because of this, usually our daily routine gets thrown out. However, try to stick to a good oral hygiene routine as especially during this time of year, your teeth take a bit of a hammering with the sugary treats and drinks we go through.

2. Ditch that festive latte

A Peppermint Mocha Latte in a red cup may taste good and look festive, however these drinks have a high amount of sugar and calories. For example, a Toffee Nut Latte has almost 8 teaspoons of sugar and 268 calories! Now we don’t want to be a complete Scrooge and say you can’t enjoy them altogether, so why not try to recreate the beverage at home for fewer calories and sugar?

3. Fondue of a Christmas cheese board?

Gouda news! Cheese is not only rich in calcium, which promotes healthy teeth, but also balances out the PH in your mouth after having an acidic drink, like mulled wine.

4. Christmas breakfast

The main event on Christmas Day may be lunch, however having a filling, healthy breakfast will help you to stop reaching for the Quality Street tin at midday.

5. Swap the mince pie for a handful of nuts

Mince pies are high in sugar because of the dried fruit they are made up with, so instead reach for the nut bowl. Nuts are rich in vitamins and minerals, which help protect your teeth from decay. However, be careful not to use your teeth to open nuts, always use a nutcracker!

6. Drink water at the end of the office Christmas party

December is usually a busy month with lots of Christmas parties. A great tip is to make water your last drink of the night, as not only does it help to wash away the acid & plaque from the drinks, but also lessens the hangover!

7. Grazing

With so many treats on tap at this time of year, it’s easy to find yourself continuously grazing throughout the day. However, this is probably not the best for your teeth, as every time we eat something sugary, bacteria in our mouths produce acids that cause tooth decay. Eating all of the chocolate coins in one sitting is better than grazing on them throughout the day.

8. Prosecco

It might be the nation favourite tipple but Prosecco is one of the most dentally-damaging drinks if drunk frequently due to the acid, sugar and alcohol levels. Enjoy it in moderation and make sure you drink plenty of water in between the glasses of bubbles.

9. Wrapping presents

Seasonal stress – leaving wrapping to the last minute. Somehow, we just don’t learn from last year! We know how it is, you’re holding down the roll of paper in one hand, the gift in another and tearing off pieces of sticky tape with your teeth. Stop there! This could potentially result in a dental disaster and ruin Christmas (and your smile), as doing this puts enormous pressure on the edges of your teeth and can chip and crack them.