7 Tips for a Holiday-Ready Smile

If you envision greeting your holiday dinner guests with a dazzling smile, now is the time to focus on your oral health.

Park Dental NYC specializes in great-looking smiles and is ready to take yours to the next level. Here, we break down some of the strategies we recommend to whiten and brighten your smile before the guests arrive.

YooKyung Park, DDS, and Pat Ng-A-Fook, DDS, also provide tips for maintaining good oral health throughout the holiday season.

7 ways to get a holiday-ready smile (and keep it into the New Year)

The holidays are likely the busiest time of the year for everyone, and it’s easy to get caught up in the energy of the season. To ensure your smile looks holiday-ready, start planning your strategy in advance.

Here are seven tips to follow for a great-looking smile before, during, and after the holidays:

1. Enlist professional help

One of the first things to add to your ‘holiday smile’ checklist is a professional dental cleaning appointment. A professional cleaning removes more bacteria and stains from your teeth than brushing at home can achieve.

Book early to ensure you can get into the office before the holiday rush. Early bookings also prevent the stress of rescheduling appointments you have to miss as your schedule gets busier.

2. Schedule a cosmetic consultation

If your smile is affected by cosmetic flaws like small chips or discoloration, our team can discuss your options for reconstructive services in time for the holidays.

While veneers and dental implants may not be feasible due to time constraints, our providers offer bonding, dental crowns, and other cosmetic services to quickly address minor flaws.

3. Book a teeth whitening appointment

Park Dental NYC offers teeth whitening to help you achieve several shades whiter than your natural teeth. Schedule a visit in the weeks leading up to your holiday events to achieve a picture-worthy smile.

Our providers use the professional-strength Zoom!® whitening agent that removes deep-set stains from your teeth to produce a dazzling smile. They take precautions to prevent enamel damage and gum irritation so that you can smile comfortably and with confidence.

4. Stay on track with daily oral hygiene

Brush and floss your teeth daily after every meal to maintain good oral health and ensure your teeth whitening results last longer.

If you’re on the go and can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water to remove food particles and bacteria.

5. Mind your holiday eats

Certain foods and beverages contain ingredients that stain the teeth. If you plan to enjoy wine, coffee, berries, and other stain-causing foods during the holidays, take precautions.

Carry a toothbrush and floss, when possible, to use after consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks. You can also drink through a straw to minimize tooth stains.

6. Limit sticky and hard foods

Sticky caramels and hard toffee candies are plentiful during the holidays – but these sweets can also pull out fillings and cause chips in your teeth.

It’s okay to treat yourself to a few of your favorite sweets, but be mindful of what you eat. Consider satisfying your sweet tooth with soft candies and avoiding hard-to-chew items like thick pretzels and ice to prevent tooth damage.

7. Remember, teeth aren’t tools

For some people, it’s a natural instinct to use their teeth to rip open packages or cut through tape. Doing so can lead to unwanted dental emergencies during the holidays.

Keep scissors, a small knife, and other useful tools on hand when digging into the presents to protect your teeth from unnecessary damage.

Call Park Dental NYC in Midtown, East Manhattan, New York, today to schedule your pre-holiday dental cleaning or book an appointment online.