104 Burnett Trail Canton, TX 75103

Brushing Guide for Busy Families

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and quality time with loved ones. However, with packed schedules filled with family gatherings, school events, and holiday parties, it can be easy to let your oral hygiene routine fall by the wayside. At Mill Creek Dental, we understand how busy life can get, so we’ve created a quick brushing guide to help you and your family keep your smiles healthy during the holiday rush.

Brushing Guide for Busy Families

Why Brushing Is Even More Important During the Holidays

The holidays often mean indulging in sugary treats, desserts, and festive drinks. While these seasonal delights add to the celebration, they can also increase your risk of cavities. The sugar in candies, cookies, and other holiday goodies feeds the bacteria in your mouth, leading to acid production that can weaken enamel and cause tooth decay.

Maintaining a consistent brushing routine during this time is essential for protecting your teeth from the effects of extra sugar and ensuring your smile stays bright and healthy. Even if your days are hectic, prioritizing dental care can save you from potential issues down the road.

Morning Brushing for a Fresh Start

Start your day with a thorough brushing session. Make it part of your family’s morning routine, even if you’re rushing to get out the door. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Spend at least two minutes brushing, making sure to cover the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

For younger children, consider turning brushing into a fun activity. Play a favorite song that lasts two minutes or use an app with a built-in timer to keep them engaged. Setting a positive tone for morning brushing can help establish lifelong habits.

Midday Maintenance When You’re on the Go

With holiday shopping, errands, and events filling your schedule, brushing after lunch might not always be feasible. In these cases, try to rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum. This helps remove food particles and neutralize acids until you can brush later.

If you know you’ll be away from home for extended periods, consider packing travel-sized toothbrushes and toothpaste for your family. Having these essentials on hand makes it easier to keep up with oral hygiene no matter where the day takes you.

Evening Brushing to End the Day Right

Before bed, take time to brush thoroughly, as this is the most crucial session of the day. Brushing at night removes the sugar, plaque, and bacteria that have built up throughout the day. Make sure your children brush before falling asleep, especially if they’ve had sticky or sugary holiday treats.

This is also a good time to reinforce flossing as part of the routine. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth, where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. A clean mouth at bedtime allows your teeth to recover from the day’s sugar exposure.