How to Keep Your Smile Healthy During the Holidays

The holiday season is all about good food, great company, and plenty of reasons to smile. But between the festive treats, travel plans, and busier schedules, your oral health can easily take a back seat.

At River City Dental in Fort Smith, AR, Dr. Peyton Aven and Dr. Emily Steininger love seeing their patients enjoy the season — without returning in January with new cavities or sensitivity. A few mindful habits can go a long way toward keeping your smile bright through every party, trip, and toast.

1. Choose Treats Wisely (and Enjoy Them the Right Way)

No one’s asking you to skip dessert — it is the holidays, after all. But how and when you enjoy sweets matters. Sticky candies, toffees, and caramels cling to enamel, feeding cavity-causing bacteria for hours.

Instead, try enjoying your desserts with your meal, not hours later as a snack. Eating sweets while you’re already eating helps neutralize acids and reduces sugar’s contact time with your teeth. Then, rinse with water or chew sugar-free gum afterward to help wash things away.

2. Don’t Let Travel Interrupt Your Routine

Packing for a trip? Add your toothbrush and floss to the top of the list — you’ll thank yourself later. A travel-sized kit makes it easy to brush on the go, and even a quick rinse with water is better than skipping completely.

If you wear clear aligners, be sure to bring your case and keep them clean between holiday meals (they don’t mix well with hot cider or cocoa!).

3. Watch Out for Tooth-Stress Triggers

Between late nights, colder weather, and family gatherings, it’s easy to slip into habits that stress your teeth — like jaw clenching or using your teeth to open packages or snack bags. Try to stay mindful, and if you wake up with jaw soreness or headaches, it might be time to ask about a custom nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

4. Stay Hydrated (Especially During Party Season)

Eggnog, coffee, wine, and cider — all delicious, all dehydrating. When your mouth dries out, it produces less saliva, which is your body’s natural defense against bacteria and acid. Keep a glass of water nearby and sip between festive drinks to help protect your enamel and prevent bad breath.

5. Schedule Your Year-End Dental Visit

If you haven’t used your dental insurance or FSA benefits, now’s the time — most plans reset in January. A professional cleaning and exam can catch small issues before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems. Plus, it’s a great way to start the new year with a fresh, healthy smile.

Healthy Smiles All Season at River City Dental

Whether you’re savoring sweets, traveling to see loved ones, or toasting to the new year, your smile deserves a little care, too. At River City Dental, Dr. Aven and Dr. Steininger are here to help you keep your teeth healthy and strong through every holiday season and beyond.

Schedule your next cleaning or checkup today — and step into the new year with a confident, cavity-free smile.

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