‘Tis The Season For Holiday Treats: Schedule a Dental Cleaning Now to Prepare

The 2024 holiday season is officially here, and that means joy, celebrations, and plenty of treats. From holiday cookies to pies to seasonal candies, this time of year is filled with sugary, sticky, and delicious temptations. 

But before you indulge, schedule a dental checkup at the Smile Design Studio of Bethesda to help keep your teeth strong and ready for all those holiday goodies.

Read on to learn why now is the best time.

Start with a clean slate

A professional dental cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains that may have built up over time. Getting your teeth cleaned is particularly helpful because you can’t remove tartar (also called dental calculus) at home with just a toothbrush. Only a professional cleaning with special tools can remove tartar.

By beginning the holiday season with a fresh, clean mouth, you reduce the risk of decay and gingivitis. Plus, your smile will sparkle in all those holiday photos.

Strengthen your defenses

Holiday treats are often high in sugar, which can feed bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria then secrete acid, which wears away your enamel and leads to cavities. During a dental cleaning, our team may recommend a fluoride treatment.

Fluoride helps prevent cavities because it:

• Remineralizes your enamel
• Prevents the growth of cavity-causing bacteria 
• Can even reverse early decay

In addition to fluoride treatments, we can recommend the right fluoride toothpaste for you or, if if needed, prescribe a fluoride mouthwash.

Catch problems early

Dental emergencies never pop up during convenient times, and you don’t want to be stuck with a raging toothache on a holiday. Scheduling your exam now means that we have a chance to catch problems early.

For example, if you have a small cavity, we can fill it before it grows into a bigger problem — or causes more pain.

Boost your confidence

When you feel good about your smile, you’re more likely to share your smile with the world. A fresh cleaning leaves you feeling polished and confident, which is especially valuable as you socialize with friends and family throughout the season. 

After all, a healthy smile is one of the best accessories for holiday gatherings.

Get a picture-perfect smile in just one visit

When you’re getting your teeth cleaned, you have a chance to explore our treatments, including professional teeth whitening. Here at Smile Design Studio of Bethesda, our team offers Zoom!® teeth and LaserSmile® teeth whitening. 

Both of these options remove stains, brighten your smile, and boost your confidence — just in time for your next family holiday photo.

Start off the new year with good habits

The end of the year is often a time for reflection, so why not make your dental health part of your annual self-care? Scheduling a cleaning is a simple step toward entering the new year with a smile that’s not only bright but healthy too.

After you indulge

You don’t need to skip all of the treats, but you do need to keep up with your at-home oral care routine. After you eat treats, rinse your mouth with water to wash the sugary debris from your mouth. 

And as always, brush your teeth for a full two minutes and floss daily.

‘Tis the season for your next cleaning

Booking your next cleaning for you — and your family — is easy. You can reach us at 301-907-8201, or use our online portal to request your next dental cleaning appointment.