The holidays are a joyful time of year — good food, festive treats, parties with family and friends, and lots of smiling! But all those sweets and sugary drinks can take a toll on your dental health if you’re not careful. At Johnson Family Dental in Paducah, Dr. Ben Johnson and our team love seeing your smile — and we want to help you keep it healthy through Christmas and into the New Year.
1. Enjoy Treats — Just Not All Day Long
Holiday candy, cookies, and decadent desserts are part of the fun, but frequent snacking spreads sugar throughout the day — giving cavity-causing bacteria plenty of fuel. Rather than grazing on sweets all afternoon, enjoy your favorite treats with meals. This helps saliva — your mouth’s natural defender — wash away food particles.
Brush gently after meals and snacks (especially sticky candies and caramel) to minimize sugar sitting on teeth overnight.
2. Watch Out for Hidden Sugars in Holiday Drinks
Eggnog, hot chocolate, and festive cocktails can be heavy in sugar. If you’re sipping throughout the evening, try to alternate sugary drinks with water and avoid sipping them all night long. Water helps rinse away sugars and keeps your mouth hydrated — which is especially important in the dry winter months.
3. Don’t Forget to Brush & Floss Daily
When the schedule gets busy with parties and travel, it’s easy to let brushing and flossing slide. But this is when your routine matters most! Make sure you’re brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once daily to remove plaque buildup. Great holiday memories are best enjoyed with a healthy smile to show for them.
4. Keep Young Smiles Protected
Kids often get more sugary snacks during the holidays than any other time of year. Remind them to brush and floss after indulging, and help them choose fun, tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts, apples, or crunchy veggies to balance out the sweets.
5. Schedule Your Year-End Dental Visit
The end of the year is a great time to schedule a cleaning or check-up before dental insurance benefits reset. Regular cleanings help catch small problems before they grow into bigger ones — and they keep your smile looking bright for all those holiday photos.
From Our Dental Family to Yours
At Johnson Family Dental, we pride ourselves on compassionate, comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Dr. Ben Johnson, a trusted local dentist with years of experience helping families throughout Paducah and Western Kentucky, believes in building lasting relationships and preventive dentistry that keeps your smile healthy long after the holidays are over.
Whether you need a routine cleaning, whitening to boost your holiday glow, or expert advice on protecting your teeth through the season, we’re here to help.
🎄 Happy holidays and a healthy New Year from all of us at Johnson Family Dental!
📍 Location: 2913 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42003
📞 Phone: (270) 554-2432
⏰ Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8 am–5 pm (Holiday Hours May Vary)