Smile through December: Oral Health Tips for the Festive Season
December and the Christmas holidays are a time for joy, celebration – and lots of delicious food and drink. But for all the mince pies, chocolate, bubbly and festive treats, our teeth and gums can get a bit forgotten. At County Road Dental Practice, we want you to enjoy the magic of the season without sacrificing your smile.
Foods & Drinks That Help Your Teeth
- Cheese and dairy – Cheese, plain yoghurt and other calcium-rich dairy foods are excellent for your teeth. Cheese helps neutralise acidity in your mouth and supports enamel strength, while yoghurt can support healthy gums.
- Lean proteins (turkey, chicken, fish) – A Christmas roast with turkey or lean meats gives you protein, phosphorus and essential nutrients that support tooth and bone strength. It also helps you feel full, which may cut down on grazing on sugary snacks.
- Crunchy vegetables and fresh fruit – Raw carrots, celery, apples, pears and other crunchy fruit or veg act like a natural toothbrush. Their fibrous texture helps scrub away plaque and food debris, while their water content stimulates saliva – a natural defence for your teeth.
- Nuts (unsalted, not too hard) – A small handful of nuts provides minerals such as calcium and magnesium, good for enamel and gums. They’re also lower in sugar than many festive snacks – but avoid especially hard nuts if you have fillings or crowns.
- Water (and sugar-free drinks) – Amid all the mulled wine, fizzy drinks and hot chocolate, don’t forget water. Staying hydrated helps wash away food particles and acid, and reduces the risk of decay.
Foods & Drinks to Enjoy with Caution (or Avoid)
The holiday season also brings many “naughty but nice” treats – but they can be tough on your teeth:
- Sugary sweets, chocolates, sticky toffees and caramels – These cling to teeth and linger long after the sugar rush ends. That gives harmful bacteria time to feed and produce acids that attack enamel, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Dried fruit – Often thought of as a healthier choice, dried fruit actually concentrates sugar and tends to stick between teeth, feeding bacteria and contributing to tooth decay. Fresh fruit is a better alternative.
- Fizzy drinks, sparkling wine, cocktails, and acidic beverages – Carbonated drinks and alcohol are acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time. The sugar content in many festive drinks also fuels bacterial growth.
- Frequent snacking throughout the day – Grazing on treats between meals means your teeth are under constant “acid attack,” with little time to recover. If you do indulge, try to have sweets during meals rather than constantly through the day.
- Hard foods or nuts that are very hard – Biting into something hard can damage enamel, chips or even dental work (like fillings or crowns). Treat your teeth gently – especially over festive feasts.
Smart Habits to Keep Your Smile Merry
- Stick to your brushing and flossing routine – Even though days are busy with parties and family get-togethers, it’s important to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This remains your best defence against plaque.
- Rinse with water after sugary or acidic foods/drinks – If you indulge, drinking a glass of water afterwards (or rinsing) helps wash away sugar and acid, reducing the risk to enamel.
- Wait before brushing after acidic meals or drinks – Acidic foods and drinks (like fizzy wine, citrus, or vinegar-based dishes) can soften enamel temporarily. Brush at least 30–60 minutes afterwards to avoid damaging softened enamel.
- Choose snacks wisely – Swap sticky candies for dental-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts, crunchy vegetables, or fruit. These help stimulate saliva and support enamel protection.
Enjoy Christmas – and Protect Your Smile
You don’t need to give up all your festive favourites to protect your oral health. With a little mindfulness – savouring treats during meals, drinking water, brushing wisely, and choosing enamel-friendly foods – you can enjoy December and Christmas guilt-free.
And remember: the start of a new year is a perfect time to prioritise your smile. If you’d like to start 2026 with a healthy, fresh clean (or check up on any potential issues after the holidays), why not book a dental check-up at County Road Dental Practice? Our friendly, experienced team is here to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth and gums all year round.
Book your appointment now – we’d love to see you!