As the air turns crisp and leaves cover the ground, it’s that time of year when many of us will embrace seasonal delights like hot chocolate, mulled wine and sweet treats.

While the winter months bring joy and festivities, they also demand extra attention to your oral hygiene.

Here are four ways to look after your teeth over Christmas and step into the New Year with a healthy smile.

Please ensure you’re up-to-date with your dental hygiene visits too, of course!

1. Sweet Treats: Timing Matters

Sweets and chocolates naturally have a sugary appeal. As do many alcoholic drinks.

If you want to indulge, mealtimes are the right time. During meals, your mouth naturally produces more saliva, which acts as a defence against acidic bacteria, safeguarding your tooth enamel.

Should you notice your teeth are getting stained, consider our teeth whitening service. 

2. The Golden Rule: Brush Twice Daily

A fundamental dental practice no matter what time of year it is: brushing your teeth twice daily.

This routine serves as a cornerstone of good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day for two minutes helps remove food particles, prevent plaque buildup and maintain fresh breath. It’s a simple way to ensure the health and cleanliness of your teeth and gums.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drink Water After Eating Sugary Foods

In this sense, drinking water is about more than just keeping hydrated; it rinses away lingering food particles and minimises the duration of sugary substances in your mouth.

This reduces the presence of harmful bacteria and the risk of plaque buildup. Drinking water after eating benefits your overall health and your dental wellness. Water complements your brushing routine – but it doesn’t replace it.

4. Floss and Brush Between

Seasonal treats are very good at finding hideaways in your mouth. Even if you stick to your twice-daily brushing, these tricky spots can be left vulnerable to bacteria.

Since your toothbrush effectively cleans only about 70% of your teeth, incorporate floss and/or interdental brushes into your routine. These handy tools help prevent bacterial buildup and improve your oral hygiene.

As hygienist Pauline says, “Only floss the teeth you want to keep!”

If you find that your focus on oral care is decreasing during the winter months, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our friendly team. Our range of treatments covers everything from routine scaling and polishing to the more extensive treatment of gum disease.

Post-Christmas Dental Care in Shrewsbury

Hopefully you enjoy the festive season. But if you’re concerned about the impact on your teeth, January is the perfect time to restore your smile. Book a professional dental hygiene appointment at our Shrewsbury practice to remove any plaque buildup and staining from festive treats.

Our experienced hygienists use Guided Biofilm Therapy for gentle, effective cleaning that leaves your mouth feeling fresh.

Whatever your dental care needs, Esthetique Dental can craft a personalised treatment plan tailored just for you.