The Hilltop Dental Studio provides the highest quality dental care to our Spotsylvania, Virginia clients. Our dedicated team of dental professionals specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry as well as restoration dental services. We welcome all residents in the Spotsylvania, VA area to visit the Hilltop Dental Studio, located near the Spotsylvania courthouse, where we have provided only the highest quality dental care for more than 20 years.

Our team encourages all our clients to take their oral health seriously year-round. With the holiday season quickly approaching, Hilltop Dental Studio understands that our clients are busy gathering with family and friends, or out shopping to find gifts for their loved ones. But even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we want to make sure that you and your family maintain the best oral hygiene possible. Here are a few key oral care tips to keep in mind as you get ready for holiday dinners and parties.

Source: Oral Hygiene: Best Practices & Instructions for Good Routine (clevelandclinic.org)

Flossing is Still a Priority

Even when it isn’t the holiday season, it can be easy to forget just how important flossing is to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. Flossing is essential to gum and tooth health for both children and adults. However, many people regularly neglect a regular flossing schedule, even outside of the holiday season. There are many benefits to regular flossing that should not be overlooked.

For one, it can be difficult to get rid of irritating and persistent food debris from your teeth. Of course, using a toothbrush daily is critical for good oral hygiene. But a toothbrush alone isn’t enough to keep your gums and teeth in the best shape possible. Flossing can help remove food debris and even reduce plaque that has built up over time. To top it off, flossing can help you get rid of unwanted bad breath. Don’t drive away family and friends over the holidays because you haven’t remembered to floss enough.

Keep an Eye on the Alcohol

Wine is a popular mainstay on the holiday dinner table. But it can be easy to overindulge on alcohol like red wine, especially around family and good friends. Too much red wine and other darker alcohols can lead to stained teeth if you aren’t careful. If wine is your seasonal alcoholic beverage of choice, consider instead drinking a white wine. Or, try pairing your red wine with different foods to limit staining to your teeth.

Other alcoholic beverages including some popular mixed drinks contain a great deal of sugar and other teeth-damaging additives. If that wasn’t bad enough, alcohol often leads to a dry mouth, which can be embarrassing if you’re in the middle of a conversation with family or friends. If you plan on drinking alcohol during holiday dinner, consider lower-sugar options to keep your oral hygiene in check.

Time to Switch Out your Toothbrush

From December until March or April, the cold and flu run rampant. You can avoid seasonal sniffles and other unpleasantries by taking a few simple precautions. For one, make sure that only you are using. Sharing toothbrushes, particularly around the holiday times, puts you at risk of sharing unwanted microscopic bacteria. If you’re having trouble keeping yours or a significant other’s toothbrush separate, considering facing the bristles of your toothbrush away from the other’s. And whether you’ve already come down with a cold, it’s a good idea to swap out your toothbrush in any case about every three months. Replacing your toothbrush on a regular basis is a good idea for several reasons. Eventually your toothbrush becomes less effective the more its bristles become worn out. Replacing your toothbrush ensures that your bristles are free from bacteria and working as effectively as possible.

Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated year-round for optimal oral health, especially during the winter. winter weather during the holiday season can be particularly cool and dry, leading to oral hygiene-related complications. This type of weather can wreak havoc on your immune system. Try drinking an extra bottle of water during winter months to keep your mouth lubricated and your salivary glands producing saliva to fight off any unwanted bacteria. As a bonus, drinking water with fluoride is another easy method to keep your mouth healthy and give you the energy you need for your holiday activities.

Quit Smoking for Good

It’s always a good time to stop smoking tobacco products. Tobacco increases the risk of developing oral cancer and gum disease. The holiday season can prove especially challenging for current smokers and added pressure during holiday parties and gatherings can make tobacco use even more appealing to smokers. What’s worse, even diligent tooth brushers and flossers will struggle to maintain healthy gums and overall oral hygiene when they decide to smoke. Luckily, quitting smoking comes with a whole range of benefits, including a reduced risk for many types of cancer, digestive problems and complications, and heart disease.

Source: 9 Dental Care Tips to Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine | Johnson & Johnson (jnj.com)

Schedule your Holiday Appointment with Hilltop Dental Studio

Our local dentists in fredericksburg, va at The Hilltop Dental Studio always encourage our patients to meet with us regularly. Regular dental appointments, paired with healthy eating habits and home oral care, is a sure path toward excellent oral hygiene all year long. Unfortunately, many people claim to be too busy during the holiday season to come in for a visit with their dentist. But in fact, the holiday season and the end of the year are some of the best times for you to visit your dental professional and create a regular schedule.

The team at Hilltop Dental Studio hopes that you have found these oral tips helpful as you make your way into the holiday season. It’s important to remember that regular visits with your dental professional is the easiest and most effective way of keeping track of your oral health. If you live in or near Spotsylvania, VA and are ready to make a change in your dental experience, call the Hilltop Dental Studio now and schedule your next appointment for the holiday season.