Naughty or Nice? Holiday Habits That Hurt (or Help) Your Teeth

The holidays are a time of celebration, seasonal treats, and traditions that bring joy — but some of those habits can also take a toll on your smile. At Neaville Family Dentistry in Searcy, AR, Dr. Keith Neaville sees firsthand how seasonal routines can impact dental health. The good news is, small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping your teeth on the nice list all year long.

Let’s unwrap some common holiday habits and explore how they can either hurt or help your dental health.

Naughty: Grazing on Sugary Treats All Day

Nothing says “holiday cheer” like cookies, candies, and sweet drinks — but constant snacking on sugary foods gives cavity‑causing bacteria plenty of fuel. Every time sugar meets your teeth, acid is produced that weakens enamel. If your eating is “sip, nibble, sip” over hours, your teeth spend more time under acid attack.

Nice alternative:

Enjoy holiday sweets with meals rather than grazing throughout the day. Eating sweets with food increases saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids and clear food particles. After indulging, rinse with water to help wash away lingering sugar.

Naughty: Treating Your Teeth Like Tools

Holiday cards, packages, tape — the season comes with a lot of little tasks. Using your teeth to open something or rip packaging might seem convenient, but it can lead to chips, cracks, or even dislodged dental work.

Nice alternative:

Use scissors, knives, or other proper tools for wrapping and unwrapping gifts. Your teeth are great for smiling — not for untying knots or ripping tape.

Naughty: Sipping Soda, Energy Drinks — or Holiday Cocktails

Cold weather doesn’t stop cravings for fizzy or festive drinks, but sodas, energy drinks, and many alcoholic beverages (especially sweet cocktails, wine, or mixers) are often high in sugar and acidity. This combination can wear down enamel and fuel cavity‑causing bacteria — especially when sipping stretches over hours.

Nice alternative:

Water is always your smile’s best friend. When enjoying a soda, energy drink, or alcoholic beverage, try to do so with meals rather than sipping throughout the evening. Follow up with a water rinse to help wash away sugars and acids — your enamel will thank you later.

Naughty: Forgetting Your Nighttime Routine

Holiday evenings can stretch late into the night with gatherings and celebrations. Skipping brushing and flossing once in a while might feel harmless, but when it becomes a pattern, plaque and sugar buildup stay in contact with teeth longer — increasing the risk of decay and gum irritation.

Nice alternative:

Even if the clock says midnight, brushing before bed protects your teeth from overnight acid attack. If you’re really pressed for time, rinse with water and brush first thing the next morning — but make brushing before sleep the priority.

Naughty: Ice Chewing (Year‑Round, Even at the Holidays)

Chewing ice — whether it’s from a soda or a winter drink — might seem harmless, but it’s a common cause of cracked teeth and enamel wear. Holiday punch with ice? That’s a risk if chewing turns into a habit.

Nice alternative:

Sip slowly without chewing the ice, or opt for drinks without ice — especially if cold or crunchy foods already make your teeth feel sensitive.

Nice: Staying Hydrated

Drinks like water don’t just quench thirst — they support saliva production. Saliva is your mouth’s first line of defense after eating, helping neutralize acids and wash food particles away. Dry winter air, indoor heating, and seasonal stress can reduce saliva flow, so water becomes even more important during the holidays.

Tip:

Keep a reusable water bottle with you during outings and celebrations. Your teeth (and whole body) will thank you.

Nice: Mindful Smiling and Laughing

This one doesn’t require toothbrushes or floss — just presence. Genuine moments of laughter and joy reduce stress, support emotional wellbeing, and make memories that outlast any holiday dessert. Believe it or not, positive emotional health helps keep habits on track, including oral routine and self‑care.

Nice: Scheduling a Post‑Holiday Checkup

The calendar reset after the holidays is a great time to get back to routines and address anything that might have come up over the season — a sugar‑induced spot, sensitivity that developed, or broken dental work. A post‑holiday checkup lets us catch small issues early.

At Neaville Family Dentistry, we’re happy to see you and help you start the new year with a strong, healthy smile.

Keep Your Smile on the Nice List

Holidays are about joy and togetherness — not dental emergencies. With a few mindful choices, you can enjoy seasonal traditions without putting your smile at risk.

If you have questions about snacks, drinks, or any concerns after the holidays, Dr. Keith Neaville and our team are here for you. Call our Searcy, AR office to schedule a visit — whether it’s a quick check‑in or a post‑holiday dental reset.

Wishing you bright smiles and happy holidays!

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Categorised in: Dental Tips, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene