November is here, and the holidays are right around the corner. While you’re probably focused on planning meals and making travel arrangements, keeping your smile camera-ready is just as important. With family photo shoots, work get-togethers, and other social events, you’ll undoubtedly be grinning a lot.
At Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale in the Bronx, New York, Daniel Faiwiszewski, DMD, loves helping his patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Here are his top seven tips to help you maintain a picture-perfect smile all season.
These are seven easy ways to keep your smile photo-ready throughout the holidays:
Having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. It also removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains, leaving your polished teeth and looking brighter.
Even if you brush and floss your teeth diligently, stains and tooth discoloration may occur, especially if you drink coffee, eat certain staining foods, or use tobacco. Fortunately, professional teeth whitening can make your smile several shades lighter in a single appointment.
Before moving forward with treatment, Dr. Faiwiszewski explains each step of the process and answers your questions. Then, he helps you choose the right teeth whitening option for your budget and comfort level.
Holiday favorites like coffee, red wine, and cranberry sauce contain tannins, natural compounds that can stain teeth. You don’t need to avoid your favorite foods and drinks, but it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with water afterward. Drinking through a straw can also help because it keeps liquids from making direct contact with your teeth.
If you’re concerned about stains this holiday season, we can make recommendations to keep your smile bright between office visits.
Cross-country travel and late-night parties can throw off your schedule. Still, try to make time for good oral hygiene, taking a few minutes in the morning and at night to brush, floss, and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash.
If you’d like tips for maintaining good oral hygiene while traveling or spending time with loved ones, we can demonstrate helpful techniques at your next visit.
Do you find yourself covering your mouth when you smile because of chipped, cracked, or missing teeth? Ask Dr. Faiwiszewski about cosmetic options, such as porcelain veneers and tooth-colored fillings. Our clean, high-tech office provides these restorations for patients of all ages and can help you achieve a confident, photo-ready smile before your next family gathering.
Cold winter weather often dries out your lips, causing them to crack, bleed, and become chapped. Because your lips frame your smile, take steps to keep them healthy and moisturized. Applying lip balm regularly and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can prevent dryness and peeling skin and keep your lips camera-ready.
It’s much easier to smile confidently when your teeth and gums are healthy and well cared for. If it’s been more than a year since your last dental visit, now’s the perfect time to take action. Dr. Faiwiszewski’s calm, reassuring approach makes it easy to get the care you need, whether you’re due for a checkup or interested in cosmetic treatment.
If you’re worried about how your smile will look at holiday get-togethers or in family photos, contact Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale. Call 718-549-6453 to talk with our warm, friendly office staff or request an appointment online. We’ll have your smile ready for the holiday season in no time!
