This time of year can be pretty busy and most people will be out and about socializing and catching up with friends and family. Even if you don’t have much time to spare, you can still make sure your smile looks its best to celebrate and greet a brand new year. Here are some handy tips for oral health and teeth whitening for the holidays.
Why are dental check-ups and hygiene appointments important before the holidays?
Dental check-ups and hygiene appointments are important before the holidays to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, prevent emergency dental care, and keep your smile sparkling. Dr. Cadigan will thoroughly check your teeth and gums, addressing any problems before the festive season. These appointments, typically an hour, help remove minor stains for a seasonal sparkle and ensure fresh breath, which can be handy for any moments underneath the mistletoe. It's especially beneficial if you have any concerns, avoiding discomfort during holiday treats.
A hygiene appointment is a nice way to keep your teeth and gums in great condition and it has the added advantage of helping to remove some minor stains from your teeth, giving them a bit of seasonal sparkle. It is also a good way of ensuring you have fresh breath which could be handy for any moments underneath the mistletoe.
Teeth Whitening for the Holidays
If you are looking to improve your smile, then teeth whitening could be the solution as it is relatively quick and non-invasive and a professional whitening treatment is very safe. Dr. Cadigan can assess your teeth for their suitability and will discuss how exactly this treatment could help you as everybody’s teeth will whiten slightly differently.
There are two ways you can whiten, as you may wish to opt for an in-office whitening treatment, or you can purchase a customised whitening kit to use at home. An in-office treatment can provide great results in just one appointment, but if you can’t spare the time then a home whitening kit will be just as effective and means you will be able to whiten at home, when it is convenient for you. The trays need to be worn for a few hours a day or sometimes they can be worn overnight. Everybody is different and some people prefer to whiten a bit more slowly. Generally the results take between two and three weeks. The custom fitted whitening trays can also be re-used at a later date when you wish to top up the results.
Why is maintaining your regular oral care routine important during the holidays?
Maintaining your regular oral care routine is important during the holidays because increased snacking exposes teeth to acids that weaken enamel. Even when short on time, remember to brush at least twice a day and floss once daily. Frequent snacking, common over the holidays, can be detrimental to your teeth. Opt for tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, crunchy fruits, veggies, and yogurt-based dips. If brushing isn't possible after eating something sugary or acidic, rinsing your mouth with plain water can help.
