The holidays are here, a time to give gifts, enjoy good food and connect with friends and family. Unfortunately, this time of year can also lead to letting daily habits – like brushing your teeth or flossing – slip, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cracking, chipping or tooth decay. Luckily, if you’re in search of some tips to keep your smile bright and teeth in tiptop shape this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few easy-to-implement strategies to keep your oral health in check while still enjoying the festivities.  

1. Use a nutcracker

Nuts in the shell may be a classic holiday staple, but they can also be an oral health hazard if you’re the type who likes to take opening them into your own hands – or should we say teeth. While we know you’re not likely to try cracking through an entire walnut shell (and if you are, you’d better keep us on speed dial to help with the inevitable emergency), nuts like pecans and pistachios or even half-popped popcorn kernels and sunflower seeds can cause cracks, fractures or worse if you use your teeth to open them up.  

2. Drink lots of water

From gingerbread and caramels to cocktails and red wine, the holidays are one of the “snackiest” times of year. We wouldn’t dream of asking you to skip the sweets altogether but make sure you’re having sips of water between every treat to wash away tooth-damaging acids and bacteria – it’ll help keep your breath fresh too!

3. Don’t use your teeth to open packages

One thing that we can not stress enough: Teeth aren’t tools.

Using your teeth to open packaging or containers, tear tape or hold scissors is one of the fastest ways to cause significant damage to your teeth – even to the point of breaking them. Nobody wants to leave the party early to take a trip to the emergency room, so make sure your teeth are for food only this holiday season.

4. Stick to your dental routine

We get it, it’s tough to remember to brush your teeth before bed after a long night of talking, laughing and celebrating. Letting your regular routines lapse, however, just isn’t worth it. A comprehensive oral health routine that includes brushing and flossing twice a day is the key to strong healthy teeth and gums all throughout your life, even if it’s the night before Christmas.

5. Bring a travel kit if you’re on the road

For some, the holidays mean travel – whether it’s to visit faraway family or take a much-needed vacation. If you’re travelling this winter, remember to pack a handy travel kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and any other toiletries you may need to be prepared for anything on the road, in the air or anywhere else you may find yourself.  

6. Finish the year with a checkup

In addition to brushing and flossing twice a day, regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist every six months are essential to a complete and comprehensive oral health plan. Make sure that you aren’t skipping out on your second appointment of the year just because the holidays are here. If you’ve already let things lapse, however, that’s not a problem – a new year means a new commitment to your mouth, teeth and gums! All you need to do is use the orange Book Online button to make your first appointment of 2026 and we’ll take care of the rest.  

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