Give Yourself the Gift of a Healthy Smile This Holiday Season 

The holidays are typically the busiest season of the year. There’s a lot to manage, from parties to family photos to long-overdue gatherings with loved ones. 

But between sugary treats, late nights, and busy schedules, your oral health can easily take a back seat.

At Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. Jenny Herman and her team believe your smile deserves the same care and attention as the rest of your health, especially during the holiday season. 

A healthy mouth doesn’t just boost your confidence; it’s also closely tied to your physical wellness. Prioritizing your oral health can help reduce your risk of inflammation, heart disease, and other systemic conditions.

With that in mind, here’s how you can give yourself the gift of a healthy smile this holiday season.

5 simple ways to keep your smile merry and bright

Taking care of your smile doesn’t require an elaborate routine. In fact, some of the best ways to keep your smile healthy are simple. 

Try these tips this holiday season:

1. Stick to your routine

Brush twice a day and floss daily, even when you’re traveling or staying up late for holiday festivities. This is a simple yet effective way to stay on track.

Not only does this help prevent cavities, but it also helps prevent gum disease. Flossing, for example, removes plaque from along your gums and in between your teeth, while brushing alone just can’t reach. 

Since gingivitis can set in just 24 hours, flossing daily is a great defense. 

2. Enjoy sweets mindfully

Sticky candies and sugary drinks feed bacteria that can cause gum inflammation and decay. It can be hard to avoid sweets during the holidays; they’re everywhere! 

If you do indulge in sweets, choose a chocolate candy over a hard candy. Chocolate melts faster and doesn’t sit on your teeth as long as a hard candy does. Always rinse your mouth out with water (to flush out the sugar) and brush your teeth when possible.

3. Choose water

Many holiday drinks are loaded with sugar. Egg nog, peppermint hot chocolates, and festive alcoholic beverages may taste good, but they’re not good for your oral health. 

While the occasional treat is okay, make sure you choose water over any other beverage. Not only does your body need water to stay properly hydrated, but water also helps wash away food particles and keeps your gums healthy. 

4. Eat lots of crunchy raw fruits and veggies

Crunchy fruits and vegetables are great for your gums. Crunchy raw fruits and veggies:

• Gently clean your teeth as you chew (but never a substitute for brushing!)
• Stimulate saliva production that washes away bacteria
• Contain nutrients like vitamin C, which strengthens gum tissue and helps prevent inflammation

Some top smile-friendly choices include apples, carrots, celery, and bell peppers, all delicious ways to nourish your gums and keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

5. Schedule your cleaning

Don’t put off routine dental care until the new year. Do yourself a favor and get it on the books. 

How we can help keep your smile healthy

Sometimes you need a little extra help keeping your smile healthy, and that’s where we come into the picture.

Whether it’s been six months or a little longer since your last visit, now is the perfect time to get your gums and teeth in shape for the new year. Dr. Herman specializes in keeping your foundation( your gums!) strong and healthy.

Here’s how we can help:

Periodontal maintenance

This is designed for people with a history of gum disease. The goal is to prevent bacteria from returning and keep your gums healthy long-term. Periodontal maintenance can include scaling and root planning, antibiotics, improved home care, and pinhole surgical technique (PST™) to restore your gum tissues.

Professional teeth cleaning

A professional periodontal cleaning can remove buildup you can’t reach at home and keep your gums in top shape for the new year.

Comprehensive gum treatments

From scaling and root planing to advanced laser therapies, we target inflammation and infection at the source to preserve your natural teeth.

Soft tissue treatments and regenerative options

For receding gums or areas of bone loss, we offer procedures like gum grafting and bone grafting to restore the health, function, and aesthetics of your smile.

Start your new year off with confidence

Whether you’re due for a cleaning or need more specialized gum care, Dr. Herman is here to help you start the new year smiling bright. From oral exams to advanced gum disease treatments to cosmetic treatments, we’ve got what you need to make your smile healthy again.

Call our Baton Rouge, Louisiana, office at 225-769-1444 or schedule your consultation online to get started.