As the holidays approach, you’re probably looking forward to extra time spent with your family, friends, and of course feasting on the classic tastes of the season. But, are you worried about the toll all those extra treats may have on your smile? If so, rest assured some smart dietary choices and excellent dental hygiene can help keep your smile looking great through the festivities and as you start a new year. Preventive care is, after all, a combination of healthy choices and great dental care!

What to Fill Up On and What to Skip

To keep your smile and your body healthy through this busy season, it’s important to get proper nutrition. This means having plenty of fresh and lightly cooked vegetables (marshmallow-covered sweet potatoes don’t count). Fruit, lean proteins, dairy products and healthy fats like nuts also help provide vital nutrients, which can keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy.

Perhaps most importantly, though, you need to drink lots of water throughout the day, both to keep your body hydrated and help naturally fight plaque. This becomes especially important after drinking caffeine or alcohol, which can dry the mouth, and chronic dry mouth can cause a host of dental problems.

When it comes to items to avoid, or at least limit, the most obvious is sugar. Whether in grandma’s homemade pecan pie or a soda with dinner, limiting sugar intake is one of the best things you can do for your smile. This helps reduce plaque buildup, and can therefore help reduce your likelihood of developing cavities or gum disease.

While most dentists and doctors agree you don’t after pass up every piece of dessert offered to you, try to make sweets in any form an occasional treat rather than a mainstay in your diet.