Nobody wants to usher in a brand new year nursing dental pain. Although accidents happen, there are ways of reducing the risk of dental injuries, infections, and toothache. Here are some simple tips to help you keep dental woes at bay over the festive period:

• Keep tabs on your dental hygiene regime: it’s very easy to get distracted at this time of year when you’ve got a to-do list as long as your arm and party season is in full swing, however, there’s no excuse for forgetting to brush your teeth. We strongly recommend twice-daily brushing using fluoride toothpaste. We also advise your patients to floss daily to achieve a more comprehensive clean.
• Go steady on the festive treats: we all like to indulge over Christmas and the New Year, but try and be kind to your teeth. Avoid snacking, and try and moderate your sugar intake. It’s fine to fill your boots and indulge on Christmas Day but don’t embark on a mission to finish your stash of sugary delights in record time and spend the whole of January scoffing sweets and sugared almonds.
• Book a dental check-up: nobody wants to have to deal with toothache or sore gums at Christmas. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or you’ve noticed that your teeth are a bit more sensitive than usual or your gums are swollen, now is the time to pick up a phone and book an appointment.