The new year brings renewal and a clean slate. Just as this is true for health, fitness, or career, it is also true for oral health. After a marathon of cocktails, sweets, irregular routines, and end-of-year stress, January is a perfect time to recommit to healthy habits that will support the long-term health of your smile and bite.
Smart Eating and Drinking Choices That Protect Your Teeth
Sugary, frosted cookies, candy jars everywhere, peppermint bark, festive cocktails… this really is the most wonderful time of the year!
Unfortunately, the after-effects of many of these goodies linger on a person’s tooth enamel considerably longer than those of everyday foods. Unfortunately, the sugars in these foods and beverages sustain harmful bacteria that create enamel-eroding, cavity-causing acids. Now, we’re not about to tell anyone to ditch their favorites during the holidays. We will, however, recommend certain “best practices” to your holiday routine that will help maintain your oral health without derailing the good times:
- Pair sweets with meals rather than grazing throughout the day.
- Drink plenty of water to rinse away sugars and acids.
- Choose cheese, nuts, or veggies as stabilizing snacks between treats.
Understand Where Holiday Habits Left You
Late-night snacking, traveling without your usual dental tools, and enjoying festive sweets can leave behind plaque buildup and gum tenderness. Before setting new goals, take inventory: Are your gums more sensitive? Are old fillings feeling “off”? A quick check helps ensure your resolutions match your needs.
Set Practical, Sustainable Oral Health Goals
Grand resolutions rarely stick. Instead of promising perfection, choose habits that are easy to maintain:
- Add one extra brushing session when you snack more.
- Keep floss picks in your bag or car.
- Replace your toothbrush head every 90 days.
- Choose water over soda at least half the time.
These small adjustments can all have big long-term benefits.
Book Preventive Visits Early
Many patients wait until something hurts to visit the dentist. In reality, the post-holiday period is the ideal moment for a cleaning. Professional polishing removes plaque that brushing alone leaves behind and catches issues before they become expensive or uncomfortable.
Effective, Everyday Preventive Care in Long Beach, CA
If you’re in Long Beach and want to learn more about building healthier dental habits and starting the year strong, contact Dr. Luan and the caring and skilled Golden Coast Dental Care team to schedule a consultation.