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Christmas is here, and that means cookies, candy, cocktails, late nights, and plenty of reasons to smile. It also means your teeth are about to face their toughest season of the year.
At Love to Smile Dentistry, we like to have a little fun with this time of year, so we put together the ultimate Naughty and Nice list for your teeth. If you want to enjoy the holidays without paying for it at your next dental visit, this list is for you.
The Nice List: Tooth Friendly Holiday Choices
Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
Cheese is one of the best snack foods for your teeth. It helps neutralize acid, strengthens enamel, and balances out sugary treats when they show up later.
Water Between Drinks
Water is your best defense during holiday parties. It rinses away sugar, washes out staining pigments, and keeps your mouth from drying out after alcohol.
Dark Chocolate in Moderation
Dark chocolate melts quickly and does not stick to teeth like caramel or gummies. It also has less sugar than most holiday candy.
Crunchy Veggies
Carrots, celery, and raw vegetables help clean tooth surfaces naturally and increase saliva flow to fight acid.
Brushing Before Bed No Matter What
Late nights happen during the holidays. Brushing before bed is non negotiable if you want to stay on the nice list.
The Naughty List: Holiday Habits That Wreck Teeth
Sticky Candy and Caramels
These cling to teeth for hours and feed cavity causing bacteria long after you finished eating.
Hard Candies
They dissolve slowly, keeping sugar on the enamel far longer than chocolate or baked goods.
Red Wine and Dark Cocktails
These are loaded with stain causing pigments and acid that soften enamel and deepen discoloration.
All Day Grazing on Sweets
The real danger is not one dessert. It is constant sugar exposure from morning to night.
Skipping Flossing During Busy Holidays
Skipping flossing lets food, sugar, and bacteria sit between teeth where decay and gum disease start.
How to Enjoy the Naughty Stuff Without Hurting Your Smile
You do not have to avoid every treat to protect your teeth. The key is timing and balance.
- Enjoy sweets with meals instead of between meals
- Rinse with water after sugar and alcohol
- Wait 30 minutes before brushing after acidic drinks
- Chew sugar free gum to boost saliva
- Stick to your normal brushing and flossing routine
These small habits make a massive difference in how your teeth feel after the holidays.
The Post Holiday Dental Reset
Even with great habits, the holidays are hard on your teeth. A professional cleaning removes the buildup that brushing cannot reach and catches cavities before they turn into pain.
Many Johnson County families choose to schedule their cleanings early in the new year as a reset after the holidays. It is one of the easiest ways to protect your smile long term.
You can schedule your visit anytime through our contact page.
Kids and the Naughty vs Nice List
The holidays are especially tough on kids’ teeth. Stockings, school parties, and family gatherings often mean constant candy exposure.
Parent Tips
- Let kids choose a few favorite treats and remove the rest
- Only offer sweets after meals
- Encourage water after candy
- Keep brushing routines consistent even during school breaks
Limiting frequency matters more than limiting total candy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Dental Health
Is it okay to skip flossing for a few days?
Even a few missed days can allow plaque to build up between teeth where cavities and gum problems begin.
Does sugar free candy still cause cavities?
Most sugar free candy is far less risky, but acidic flavors can still soften enamel when consumed often.
Do holiday drinks really stain that fast?
Yes. Red wine, coffee, and dark cocktails can stain teeth in just a few weeks with consistent use.
Is a dental cleaning really needed if nothing hurts?
Yes. Most tooth decay and gum disease develops without pain in the early stages.
Finish the Holidays on the Nice List
You do not need to be perfect to protect your smile. A few smart choices, consistent brushing and flossing, and a professional cleaning after the season ends are usually all it takes.
If you want to start the new year with a clean, healthy smile, the team at Love to Smile Dentistry is ready to help.
Schedule your visit today through our contact page.