5 Dentist Approved Holiday Smile Tips for You and Your Loved Ones!

The holidays are all about joy, connection, and celebration… and a lot of sugar, late-night snacks, traveling, and seasonal stress. Whether you are caring for your own smile or helping your family stay healthy through the season, these simple, evidence-based tips make perfect holiday habits you will actually use. Think of this as your holiday smile guide for you and the people you care about most!

1. Switch to a Microplastic-Free Floss (For Cleaner Teeth & a Cleaner Planet)

Perfect for you and something you can toss in your loved ones’ stockings.

Most big-brand floss is made from nylon or PTFE—plastics that can shed microplastic particles as you use them. Studies show dental floss can release polymer fibers (often polyethylene or polyamide), contributing to both human exposure and environmental pollution.

Better options:
Bamboo interdental brushes, silk or bamboo-fiber floss, and newer bioplastic or shellac-based flosses clean effectively while dramatically reducing microplastic waste.

Bottom line:
If you’re already making sustainable swaps, switching to microplastic-free floss is one of the easiest ways to protect your health, your smile, and the planet.

Some brands we love:

• Cocofloss Woven Dental Floss – Waxed, Vegan & Kid-Friendly
• Boka Ela Mint Expandable Woven Dental Floss – Plant-Based
• TreeBird Pure Silk Eco Floss – Silk Floss

2. Use an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash (Keep Everyone’s Smile Merry & Fresh)

A perfect stocking stuffer and a simple daily swap that keeps every smile comfortable, healthy, and photo-ready.

Most traditional mouthwashes use ethanol, which research shows can damage oral cells, increase DNA changes, and cause dryness, burning, and irritation. Not exactly the holiday vibe.

Better options:
Alcohol-free rinses with CPC, essential oils, or chlorhexidine clean just as effectively as alcohol-containing versions, reducing plaque, gingivitis, and harmful bacteria without harming healthy tissues or disrupting comfort.

They’re also safer for kids, people with sensitivity, and anyone avoiding alcohol for medical or cultural reasons.

Bottom line:
Switching to alcohol-free mouthwash is an easy upgrade that keeps your whole family’s smiles fresher, healthier, and happier this holiday season—no sting required.

All of our individually recommended products are linked in our Amazon StoreFront and in our blog, “The Mouthwashes That Make 2026 Feel Fresh.”

3. Protect Your Smile With a Nightguard (Especially During Holiday Stress)

Between travel, to-do lists, and late nights, jaw clenching skyrockets this season—making a nightguard one of the smartest gifts you can give yourself or someone you love.

Most people don’t realize how much damage nighttime grinding can cause. Studies show nightguards reduce the intensity of bruxism, protecting teeth from wear, fractures, and sensitivity. They also help ease jaw soreness, morning headaches, muscle fatigue, and TMJ stress by redistributing nighttime bite forces.

Better options:
A custom nightguard fits comfortably, protects restorations (like veneers and crowns), and absorbs impact far better than over-the-counter versions. Perfect for anyone who clenches, grinds, or simply wants better sleep during the holiday rush.

Bottom line:
A nightguard is a meaningful, science-backed gift that protects smiles long after the holidays.

And the best part? We can help you or your loved one get the perfect custom nightguard right here at SmilesbyDr.P—making it an easy, meaningful holiday gift.

4. Whiten Safely at Home (Bright Smiles for Every Holiday Photo)

Between holiday parties, family photos, and end-of-year celebrations, the desire for a brighter smile peaks this season—making safe whitening one of the most confidence-boosting gifts you can give.

Whitening is safest and most effective when done with dentist-supervised products. Studies show lower concentrations of carbamide peroxide used in custom trays remain the gold standard for at-home whitening, offering predictable shade changes with minimal sensitivity.

Over-the-counter whitening strips can work too, but without guidance, overuse may increase the risk of irritation and enamel changes. If you can’t see a dentist for whitening, here are a few options we recommend:

• Crest 3D Whitening Strips
• GuruNanda Whitening Strips

Better options:
Custom whitening trays paired with professional gels deliver controlled, gentle whitening that protects gum tissue and ensures even results. Formulas with ACP or potassium nitrate further reduce sensitivity.

At SmilesbyDr.P, we offer custom whitening trays and take-home professional whitening refills you can gift yourself or someone special—confidence that lasts long after the decorations come down.

5. A Toothbrush & Toothpaste Duo

Between sweet treats, hot cocoa, and late-night celebrations, your daily brushing routine matters more than ever. A toothbrush and toothpaste duo is one of the most practical (and appreciated) gifts you can give.

Better options:
Electric toothbrushes significantly outperform manual brushes for plaque removal, gum health, and stain reduction. Paired with the right toothpaste, they help prevent cavities, sensitivity, and holiday-season buildup.

Toothpaste guide:

• For cavities → Fluoride toothpaste
• For sensitivity → Potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride
• For gum health → Stannous fluoride
• For whitening → Low-abrasion formulas

You can build a personalized Smile Kit with brush heads, toothpaste, floss, and even whitening gel refills. Thoughtful, useful, and perfect for anyone who deserves a little extra sparkle.

Some research-backed brands we love:

• Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush – Superior plaque removal
• Oral-B Pro 1000 – Budget-friendly and effective
• Philips Sonicare DiamondClean – Excellent for gingivitis and plaque reduction
• Sensodyne Repair and Protect Whitening – Sensitive teeth & cavity prevention
• Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste – Antibacterial protection

Wishing you and your loved ones the brightest, healthiest holiday season! From everyone at SmilesbyDr.P, we hope your holidays are filled with joy, laughter, and confident smiles all around.

If you or your loved ones need cleanings, whitening refills, custom trays, nightguards, or personalized recommendations before the new year, we are always here to help.

Happy Holidays from the SmilesbyDr.P Family! Your smiles are our favorite part of the season.

All of our recommended products are conveniently linked on our Amazon StoreFront, so you can start the year fresh with just a few clicks.