Christmas is fast approaching, and it brings many delicious treats and temptations, especially after trying to be good throughout the year! However, mince pies and your festive tipple, together with late nights and slacking on the tooth brushing, can take their toll on your teeth and gums. To help you stay on track and protect your teeth during the festive season, we’ve collated our five top tips: 1.  Being aware of STICKY FOOD damage Christmas cake, pudding and mince pies are laden with dried fruit, which is high in sugar that can stick to your teeth. Sticky toffees and sweets eaten frequently put your teeth under constant attack. It is therefore important to pay extra attention when brushing your teeth over the festive season. Parents can check their children are brushing their teeth especially before bedtime, no matter their excitement that Santa is coming! And try not to let the little ones eat too close to their tooth brushing as the enamel will be softer from the sugar attack. 2. CLEAN YOUR TEETH WELL You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes using toothpaste containing 1450ppm fluoride, as this helps protect teeth from cavities. However, you should spit not rinse when you have finished brushing, to avoid washing the protective fluoride away. Interdental brushes or dental floss can be used to remove sticky plaque from in between your teeth. It’s important to supervise children’s brushing, and to remind family of all ages to brush their teeth thoroughly before they go to bed, even on Christmas Eve! 3. NUTS with shells on – Be careful to remove all the shell before nibbling on your Christmas nuts. It is easy to dislodge a filling or loose tooth by chomping on anything unknowingly hard. The same applies for hard sweets and pork scratching’s. 4. DON’T FORGET THE CHEESEBOARD! After all your festive feasting, save a little space for the cheeseboard. Cheese is great for your teeth as it neutralises plaque acid, which helps prevent tooth decay. Eating cheese increases the amount of saliva in the mouth, which is the body’s natural way of maintaining a healthy pH level and cheese releases chemical compounds that can form a protective layer on teeth, which protects against acids that attack teeth enamel. 5. BOOK TO SEE YOUR DENTIST IN THE NEW YEAR! If you haven't seen your dentist or hygienist for a while, make a New Year's resolution to book an appointment to look after your teeth and smile. Our practice reception team will happily assist in booking you an appointment at a convenient time.