The holidays are coming up, which means you’ll be in a lot of family photos soon. Having a white smile is a great way to look your best and feel confident during big get-togethers. Follow these teeth-whitening tips for the holidays, and you can show off your beautiful smile all winter long.
Brush Your Teeth After Drinking Dark Liquids
Wine and coffee are common drinks around the holidays. These dark liquids stain the enamel on your teeth. If possible, brush your teeth about 30 minutes after drinking a dark drink. If you cannot brush your teeth, try rinsing your mouth out with water to get rid of as much staining as possible. Then brush accordingly when you get home.
Be Cautious Of Holiday Sweets
There are plenty of sweets to enjoy during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you should eat them every day. Consume desserts in moderation, and take good care of your teeth on days you eat more sweets than normal. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after a dessert because the sugar in the dessert will temporarily weaken your enamel. After 20 to 30 minutes, you can brush your teeth like normal and get rid of the sugar in your mouth. Tooth-decaying bacteria feed on sugar, and tooth decay makes your teeth prone to staining.
Schedule A Professional Teeth Cleaning
If you haven’t had a teeth cleaning in six months, now is the perfect time to get one. This will get rid of short-term surface stains and plaque to make sure your teeth look as healthy as possible for holiday photos. This is a busy time of year because of people going on vacation, so it’s best to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
Get Your Teeth Whitened
Teeth whitening is easier and more affordable than you may think. We offer several teeth whitening programs at our Michigan cosmetic dentistry office, including in-office laser whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. You can choose the option that suits your needs and your budget. This is a fast and effective way to get your smile shining bright just in time for the holidays.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Toothbrush!
If you are going on vacation for the holidays, make sure you pack your toothbrush, floss and toothpaste. If you have any special dental devices like a mouth guard, retainer or sleep apnea oral appliance, pack those as well. Store these items in your carry-on, if possible, so you have them even if your luggage gets lost or delayed.
Remember that just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your oral care should take a break. Brush and floss like you normally would, and your smile will look great for every family gathering.
