Dreams of sugar plum fairies and gingerbread figures dancing through your head? The holidays are a tough time to avoid sugar, from candies and cupcakes to fudges and fancy desserts. Sugar takes its toll in a variety of ways, but the toll on your teeth can be significant. Here’s a few tips to take the best possible care of your teeth during the holidays.

Drink Water

Drinking water will not only keep you hydrated, but it will also help you feel full when it’s tempting to reach for sugary sweets. Water will help flush remaining food and a buildup of sugars from your teeth, as well.

Avoid sweets

Ok, so this one is tough. But if you can try to avoid the kitchen and snacking on sweets, it’ll go a long way in helping to avoid damaging your teeth during the holidays. If you’re needing to munch on something, stock up on crunchy veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. At dessert-themed parties, choose one fantastic treat and enjoy it – but don’t keep going back to the dessert table.

Brush & Floss

This one should be obvious – but in the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s easy to skip over. Try to be mindful and take a couple extra minutes after each meal or snack to brush your teeth. Make sure you’re flossing daily, even if you can’t do it after every meal. The primary benefit of brushing and flossing is dislodging leftover food particles from on and between your teeth. Additionally, that clean feeling and minty-fresh taste will steer you away from reaching for food, including sweets, for a while.

The holidays are wonderfully full of parties, family dinners, and sneaking cookies from the work break room. And enjoying holiday foods is part of what makes the season bright. But remember to keep your water intake high, try to limit your sweets, and stash a toothbrush nearby, to keep your teeth as bright as your season.