Tackling Your Dental Treatment Plan

The holidays are just around the corner, which means it's time to start planning the family get-togethers and office parties. If you're like most people, you want to look your very best; after all, a lot of pictures will be taken. One thing you might not have thought about is your teeth. If your teeth aren't their whitest, it's going to show in the pictures. Here are four steps you need to take to make sure your teeth are their whitest and brightest this holiday season:

Start With an In-Office Cleaning

If you want to make sure that your teeth look their best during the holidays, you need to start with an in-office cleaning. This is particularly important if it's been more than six months since your last dental check-up. You could have months of plaque buildup on your teeth that will leave them looking dull and yellow. A professional cleaning will get rid of the buildup so your teeth look their best. If you haven't had your teeth professionally whitened in a while, or you opt for do-it-yourself whitening treatments instead, you should have that taken care of while you're at the dentist. The dental cleaning will remove the plaque and bacteria that normal brushing can't touch, while the professional whitening treatment will remove years of built-up stains that can leave your teeth discolored.

Refrain From Coffee and Tea

If you drink coffee and tea on a daily basis, it's time to cut back until after the holidays. The same is true for red wine and dark sodas. These beverages will stain your teeth and leave them severely discolored for those holiday pictures. Once you have your teeth professionally cleaned and whitened, stick to beverages that won't discolor your teeth.

If you just can't pass up your daily dose of coffee or tea, be sure to swish some water around in your mouth when you're done with your beverage. The water will help wash the stains away before they can set in and ruin your smile.

Snack on Crunchy Vegetables

If you want to make sure that your teeth look their very best for those holiday photos this year, start snacking on crunchy vegetables. Not only are they a healthy snack option, they'll also help keep your teeth clean and bright between brushing each day.

Now that the holidays are just around the corner, visit your dentist and use the tips provided here to get your teeth looking their absolute whitest.