One of the many advantages of living and working in Midtown Toronto is the holiday party culture that descends upon us every December. With so many pubs, restaurants, and venues to hold your holiday events, there is no shortage of opportunities to celebrate the season with family, close friends, and colleagues.
Whether you attend holiday get-togethers at home, a friend’s, or another location, you need to keep your smile camera-ready to capture and preserve those special moments. However, if you are not confident with the look of your teeth, you might neglect to smile when someone snaps a quick photo. And no one wants to appear unfriendly or unhappy during the holidays!
While it is true that the additional sweets, wine, and late nights associated with the holidays can wreak havoc on our dental health, there are steps you can take to ensure that when the cameras come out, your smile will be ready!
Pre-party dental preparation
Holiday parties are often planned well in advance, so if you are concerned about the look of your teeth, most smile makeovers can be done quickly and efficiently to get you ready for those holiday close-ups!
Quick whitening solutions
Although teeth tend to discolour naturally over time as tooth enamel thins, beverages such as coffee and wine can stain the tooth surface, robbing them of their natural lustre. A teeth whitening treatment can help restore your teeth to their former glowing glory.
You might be tempted to use an over-the-counter whitening kit that is available at any pharmacy. However, these systems can take weeks to complete, be challenging to use, and often yield substandard results, leaving you disappointed.
The good news is that whitening treatments at your dentist’s office take less than 90 minutes, and deliver results that no boxed take-home treatment can match.
Fixing chipped teeth before photos
Have a chipped tooth? Your dentist can offer customized solutions that will fix your smile in time for those festive get-togethers.
For minor chips, dental bonding is a quick and effective solution that can often be completed in a single dental visit. If you have larger, more severe chips, your dentist may recommend a porcelain crown that covers the tooth, or custom-made shells bonded to the front of the tooth called dental veneers.
Your dentist will examine your tooth and answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision about which solution will work best for your smile.
Sensitive teeth
Winter means chilly temperatures, snow on the ground, and, for many people, tooth sensitivity that results in pain. It is hard to smile when you are in pain, but your dentist knows what to do to help you overcome sensitive teeth.
That is because tooth sensitivity is usually rooted in an underlying cause that your dentist will be able to diagnose. In the meantime, you can manage sensitive teeth in cold weather using desensitizing toothpaste with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Also, when outside, cover your mouth with a scarf and breathe through your nose to protect your teeth from the incoming cold air.
Post-Party Damage Control
After your get-together, you will likely arrive home late, tired, and ready to fall straight into bed. Everything else can wait until tomorrow, right?
Wrong! Your nighttime dental health routine is non-negotiable if you want to maintain healthy teeth and gums. It only takes a few minutes to brush your teeth and floss in between, and you will be doing a lot to combat any damage from the food and beverages you consumed during the party.
For example, a highlight of many holiday parties is indulging in sweet treats. These treats leave sugar on your teeth, which feeds harmful bacteria that produce acid. This acid attacks and weakens tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
Your best bet for ensuring your teeth are strong, healthy, and clean for the next holiday get-together is to brush and floss before bed, as you usually do. After that, it is time to sleep!
January Reset: Post-Holiday Dental Checkup at Yonge-Eglinton Dental
Once the tinsel is put away, make a New Year’s resolution to make an appointment with the expert team at Yonge Eglinton Dental!
We love helping smiles shine as bright and healthy as possible, and January is the perfect time to start the new year with a renewed commitment to preserving your oral health.
Our team will conduct a comprehensive examination, identify any areas of concern, and make recommendations to keep your teeth and gums in perfect shape for another year. After all, we are more than just dental health professionals – we are your trusted partners in your overall well-being.
Book an appointment with our office today – we are here to help!
Keep Your Smile Camera-Ready with Help from our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
Recommended FAQs for Keeping Your Smile Camera-Ready
Can I get my teeth whitened right before a holiday party?
Yes, professional whitening can be done safely before your holiday events. For best results, schedule 1 – 2 weeks in advance, though same-day options are available..
How do I prevent wine stains at holiday parties?
Alternate between wine and water, eat cheese or other protein-rich foods while drinking, and rinse your mouth with water between drinks. Avoid brushing immediately after drinking wine, as this can damage softened enamel.
What should I do if I chip a tooth at a holiday event?
Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any tooth fragments, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and call your dentist immediately. Yonge Eglinton Dental offers emergency services at 416-932-2222 that will help you rescue your smile.
