HDG NEWS
Top Tips to Keep Your Smile Bright This Christmas Season
26th November 2025
The Hertford streets are beginning to sparkle, Ware High Street is preparing to transform into a Dickensian wonderland, and St Albans has recently been named the UK’s top city for festive entertainment by The Telegraph. While it’s a wonderful time of year here in Hertfordshire, the season of treats and celebrations can also bring risks for your teeth. From candy canes and mulled wine to nuts, ice cubes, and even hidden coins Christmas puddings (!) - there are plenty of ways your smile can be affected over the holidays.
At Hertfordshire Dental Group, we want to help you enjoy every moment while keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here are some practical tips to protect your smile throughout the Christmas season.
Be Mindful of Festive Treats
The treats that make Christmas special can also pose risks to your teeth. Whether it’s a chocolate orange in your stocking, tubs of sweets in the office staffroom, or festive snacks at work parties, there are plenty of hazards to be aware of, including:
Candy canes and other hard sweets, which can chip or crack enamel.
Nuts, particularly if you bite them with your front teeth.
Ice cubes, which can cause microfractures in your teeth.
Christmas pudding coins or other hidden hard objects in seasonal foods.
Tip: Enjoy festive foods in moderation and avoid biting directly into anything that could damage your teeth.
Stock Your Bathroom Cabinet
Did you know a toothbrush alone only reaches about 60% of your tooth surfaces, meaning plaque can build up in the spaces between your teeth. To prevent gum inflammation, cavities, and bad breath during the festive season, it’s important to add an interdental brush or floss to your daily routine.
Tip: Brush at least twice a day, ideally after meals, and finish with an interdental brush or dental floss to clean between teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.
Protect Your Teeth from Stains
Festive drinks like red wine and mulled wine are delicious, but they can leave lasting stains on your enamel. Both drinks are acidic and contain pigments that cling to teeth, which can make your smile appear less bright.
Tip: Drink water alongside wine to rinse your mouth and reduce staining.
Emergency Dental Care Over Christmas
If you experience a dental emergency during the holiday period, Hertfordshire Dental Group has an on-call system to provide support. Simply call the practice and follow the instructions provided on the answer machine. Being prepared can prevent further damage and discomfort.
Extra Tips for a Healthy Festive Smile
Rinse after sugary treats: Sweets and desserts are staples of Christmas, but sugar feeds the bacteria that cause cavities. Rinsing your mouth with water after indulging helps reduce risk.
Limit snacking: Grazing on sugary or sticky foods throughout the day increases exposure to acids that harm enamel. Try to enjoy treats as part of a meal rather than continuously.
Choose tooth-friendly alternatives: Think about switching dessert for a cheese board or fruit platter after meals. Cheese stimulates saliva, which naturally neutralises acids and helps wash away food particles, while crunchy fruit provides vitamins, fibre, and a gentle scrubbing action that can help keep teeth clean.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water not only supports general health but also helps maintain a clean mouth and reduces dry mouth, which can increase the risk of decay.
Maintain regular brushing and flossing: Even during a busy festive schedule, a consistent routine of brushing twice a day and flossing or using an interdental brush is essential.
Visit Hertfordshire Dental Group
We have two fully accessible practices to support your dental health throughout the year:
Hertford Practice: Conveniently located on Maidenhead Street in the centre of Hertford, our practice blends traditional character with modern facilities to provide comfortable dental care.
Ware Practice: Situated on Star Street in the centre of Ware, our practice combines a welcoming atmosphere with state-of-the-art dental equipment.
Both our teams are made up of friendly, experienced professionals who understand that a calm and supportive environment is just as important as clinical expertise. Whether you need routine care, advice for managing holiday treats, or urgent assistance over the festive period, our team are here to help.
Enjoy Christmas With Confidence
The festive season is a time to relax and enjoy yourself. By following these simple tips, you can indulge in seasonal treats while keeping your teeth healthy and your smile bright.
If you’d like to give your smile an extra sparkle this Christmas, professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective option. Carried out under the guidance of our dental team, it can help remove stains and brighten your teeth, giving you added confidence for parties, family gatherings, and festive celebrations.
Contact our friendly team today to book an appointment or get personalised advice, and step into the festive season with your most confident smile.
