Dr. Luke Cronin

With Christmas festivities just around the corner, tis' the season to look after your oral health.

From work christmas parties, family barbeques and everything in between, there's no doubt you'll be getting merry while eating and drinking, well, everything. Given we are all a little obsessed with keeping our teeth looking fabulous, make sure you don't undo all your hard work when getting into the spirit of things over the Christmas break.

Expert Dr. Luke Cronin has lent us his top tips to keeping your smile bright, white and healthy come 2018, and as one of Australia's leading cosmetic dentists, we are taking notes. It isn't just the immediate effects of an indulgent festive holiday we need to think about, but also the long-term impact on our teeth and gums. Here is some expert advice to help get your smile though all the summer fun:

1. Dehydration is problematic for gum health and with the combination of alcohol and our summer sun, it is important to take extra precautions this holiday season. If you do indulge in a few alcoholic drinks, ensure you're matching each drink with a glass of water. A dehydrated body means a dehydrated mouth, which can't effectively regulate acidity. Without this natural defence plaque and oral bacteria thrive, making you more susceptaible to bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.

2. While we are on the topic of alcohol, here is a breakdown of why it really does stain your teeth short and long term. Whether you're drinking the darkest red, or a blue cosmopolitan, all colours come from a chemical called Chromogens. These attach to tooth enamel that has been exposed to the acids in alcohol and mixers and can lead to staining. Make sure you rinse your mouth with water after consuming these dark coloured beverages.

3. You may have heard of the term, 'Misophonia"? It's the term for people who can't stand the sound of other people chewing. In the season of giving, help out those affected and quit chomping down ice (please). While it is unbearably annoying for some, it is actually risky for your teeth and can lead to cracks and breakages. Save yourself the panic of a last minute trip to the dentist this Christmas and stick to icypoles if you need a cold hit.

4. Dr. Luke also points out loading up your beverages with citirus has its risks. A high acid content can etch away at the tooth enamel. If you are adding lemon, lime or orange to your favourite drink, Dr Cronin advises that you don't brush your teeth for a few hours, as the tooth's external layer of enamel is more prone to damage. If you've made a night of it, don't brush your teeth before bed, (sorry mum!), and that it is best to wait until the following morning.

5. Lastly, to make sure you are Insta ready and looking fab this Christmas, brush and floss your teeth daily to remove food particles before whipping out your camera.

Dr. Luke Cronin is a leading Sydney-based cosmetic dentist who specialises in creating stunning new smiles with cutting edge cosmetic dentistry techniques, including invisalign, Philips Zoom whitening and porcelain veneers. More information can be found at www.qualitydental.com.au