The holidays can be rough on your teeth. With all the cocktails, sweets, and treats available, it can be hard to protect your teeth from cavities. This is especially the case if you find yourself getting busy and slacking on your dental care routine. However, you can keep your teeth in great shape if you use the following tips.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water is important for your body for a number of reasons. However, you may not know how important it is for your teeth.

When you drink water, food, sugar, and bacteria on your teeth are washed away. You may not be able to get to your toothbrush right away, but having a glass of water and swishing it around in your mouth can stop harmful things from settling onto the surface of your teeth.

Don't Snack Too Much

When you snack throughout the day on holiday cookies and other sugary foods and drinks, you are constantly exposing your teeth to things that could cause cavities and other dental problems. Rather than snacking all day long, make sure to stick to main meals and one or two snacks throughout the day. Consider taking a toothbrush with you as you make your rounds, so that after you snack, you can brush. That way, you can give your teeth a break from the constant barrage of food residue and sugar.

Don't Use Your Teeth as Scissors

Sweets aren't the only threat to your teeth during the holidays. With all the tape, wrapping paper and packages you deal with during that time, you may be guilty of using your teeth to tear and open things. However, if you aren't careful, that can lead to a cracked tooth. Make sure to remember that your teeth are only supposed to be used to tear food!

Remember to Floss

It can be easy to get caught up in the holiday bustle and hustle, and you may find that all of your hygiene routines become rushed or eliminated altogether. However, to keep your teeth in good shape, it is important to remember to floss and get all that holiday food residue out of the spaces in between your teeth. Make every effort to keep flossing, so your teeth stay cavity-free.

If you use the information laid out above, you are going to be sure to protect your teeth from cavities and harm during the holiday season. Be sure to see your dentist, like those at Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry, for complete dental care during this time, so that you know your teeth are as healthy as they can be.