The holiday season is filled with festive gatherings, delicious treats, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. But while your taste buds may love all the cookies, candies, and seasonal beverages, your teeth may not feel as cheerful afterward. At Corbin Dental, we want you to enjoy every moment of the holidays—without compromising your oral health.
Here are our top holiday dental tips to keep your smile healthy, bright, and cavity-free this season.
1. Be Choosy With Your Treats
Not all sweets are created equal.
Sticky, chewy, and hard candies can cling to teeth or even cause chips and cracks. Popular culprits include:
- Caramels
- Taffy
- Candy canes
- Peanut brittle
If you’re deciding between a cookie and a candy cane, choose the cookie—it’s less likely to stick to your teeth and is easier to rinse away with saliva.
2. Watch Out for Sugary Holiday Beverages
Seasonal drinks like peppermint mochas, eggnog, and hot chocolate contain hidden sugars that coat your teeth for hours. Even warm cider, a seasonal favorite, is acidic enough to weaken enamel.
Simple tips:
- Sip water alongside sugary beverages.
- Limit sipping over long periods (it constantly bathes teeth in sugar).
- Try sugar-free options where available.
3. Keep Up Your Dental Routine—Even When Traveling
When schedules get hectic, brushing and flossing often slip through the cracks.
But during the holidays, consistent oral care is more important than ever.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes.
- Floss daily, especially after sticky sweets.
- Keep a travel-size toothbrush in your bag for gatherings and trips.
A little preparation goes a long way.
4. Balance Sweets With Smile-Friendly Foods
Holiday parties often include cheese boards, nuts, veggies, and lean proteins—great for your teeth!
- Cheese neutralizes acids and strengthens enamel.
- Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery help naturally scrub your teeth.
- Nuts are packed with minerals that support tooth structure.
Pairing sweets with these foods helps minimize damage.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is one of the easiest—and most effective—tools for a healthier smile.
It helps:
- Rinse away food particles
- Neutralize acids
- Keep saliva flowing (your mouth’s natural protector)
If you can, choose fluoridated tap water to give your teeth an extra boost.
6. Consider Smile-Friendly Stocking Stuffers
Replace candy-heavy stockings with fun, healthier alternatives:
- Fancy toothbrushes
- Sugar-free gum
- Refillable water bottles
- Mini dental kits
- Fruit or dark chocolate
These thoughtful swaps protect your family’s smiles without sacrificing holiday joy.
7. Schedule Your Post-Holiday Checkup Early
The start of the new year is the perfect time to reset your dental routine. Scheduling a cleaning or exam after the holidays helps:
- Remove tartar buildup
- Repair any damage from seasonal snacking
- Refresh your oral health plan for the year ahead
At Corbin Dental, we’ll help keep your smile bright long after the decorations come down.
Enjoy the Season—And Protect Your Smile
With just a few simple habits, you can indulge in your favorite holiday treats while keeping your teeth healthy and strong. From festive gatherings to cozy nights in, we wish you a season filled with joy, laughter, and confidence in your smile.
Schedule Your Consultation
To book a consultation for any of your dental questions, contact the offices of Corbin Dental at our Bayside office at 516-604-5074 or our Oyster Bay office at 516-613-3084, or use our simple online form.