Even Santa needs to brush

Santa knows the late night milk and cookies can be hard on your teeth. Christmas is a busy time, it's exhausting, who's to blame you for forgetting to floss before you fall into bed! While some of you are packing bags and traveling, others are running from work, to holiday concerts, sporting tournaments and holiday parties. Regrettably, dental decay and gum disease don't take a holiday. So what to do?

Be sure to throw an extra travel toothbrush, paste and floss in the desk drawer, gym bag, purse and/or glove compartment, any where you can get to them easily.

Watch what you eat 
During the holidays, people tend to change their eating habits and indulge more. The increased exposure to sugar can affect your teeth. Try to limit the number of times your family enjoys sweets while celebrating. And don't forget the hidden sugar in drinks.

Pack healthy snacks
If possible, eat before you head out. Pack healthy snacks, but be selective. Choose tooth-friendly foods like baby carrots, celery and apples or healthy snacks like string cheese, yogurt tubes, whole grain crackers or plain nuts. Pass on soda and sugary drinks and opt for water or sugar-free beverages instead.

Try treats for your teeth 
Chew sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol can help stimulate saliva production and rinse away food particles.It's a quick easy way to keep the teeth clean and freshen breath. Who knows when you'll encounter that next sprig of mistletoe!