De-Stress: The holidays can be stressful. Make sure you are taking time to unwind, to release tension in your body. Body tension often manifests itself in clenching or grinding teeth, which can make them dull and flat, and damage tooth enamel. De-stressing can be as simple as taking a short walk, doing some yoga or other stretches, or meditating for 15-30 minutes.

Mouthwash: Consider adding a therapeutic mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine this holiday season. Therapeutic mouthwashes are those that kill bacteria rather than simply freshening breath. Though not a required part of an oral hygiene routine, many types of mouthwash can be very helpful.

Beverages:  Along with the holidays come many acidic beverages-soft drinks, fruit juice, wassail, punch, and wine, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks. Be aware that coating your teeth with acid is bad for them. Accompany all acidic beverages with a large glass of water. Also be aware that alcohol actually contributes to dehydration, so drinking water along with it is a good idea for your overall wellness.

Visit Your Dentist: Visiting your dentist early can help avoid emergency dental visits in the middle of your holiday. To schedule an appointment in Cincinnati, Ohio, call Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 513-771-5212. Dr. Alexis Mai and our team are happy to help!

The post More Than Brushing: Holiday Mouth Care first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.