December is a month filled with celebrations, cozy gatherings, and sweet traditions —and at Michelle N. Messina, DDS, we love the joy this season brings to our Louisville community. As we wrap up another year, we want to share a few simple ways to keep your smile healthy and radiant throughout the holiday festivities.
1. Enjoy Holiday Treats in Moderation
Cookies, candies, and festive drinks are everywhere in December, and it’s perfectly okay to enjoy them! Just remember that frequent snacking can increase your risk of cavities. A helpful tip from Dr. Messina: enjoy sweets with meals rather than grazing throughout the day. Your enamel will thank you!
2. Stay Hydrated - Your Teeth Need It Too!
With Colorado's increasingly colder weather and necessary indoor heating, many people become dehydrated without realizing it. Water helps rinse away food particles, supports saliva production, and keeps your mouth comfortable. When you can, choose water over sugary holiday beverages.
3. Don’t Let Travel Disrupt Your Routine
If you’re traveling this month, pack a small oral-care kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and even a travel-size mouthwash. Maintaining your daily routine—no matter where the holidays take you—helps protect your gums and enamel.
4. Be Mindful of Sticky or Hard Treats
Caramels, toffees, candy canes, and other seasonal favorites can damage fillings or chip teeth. If you love these treats, enjoy them slowly and carefully, or opt for softer alternatives.
5. Start the New Year With a Fresh Smile
December is a great time to schedule your early-2026 dental cleaning. Regular checkups help prevent future issues and keep your smile in its healthiest state. If it’s been a while, we’d be thrilled to welcome you back for a hygiene checkup with Rachel and Dr. Messina in the new year.
A Season of Gratitude
As we look back on 2025, we are deeply grateful for the trust and support of our patients and community. From volunteering with local partners to helping families recover after challenging times in our community’s history, we are continually inspired by the resilience and kindness we see around us.
Our team wishes you a peaceful, joyful, and healthy holiday season—filled with warmth, connection, and plenty of reasons to smile. Dr. Messina, Rachel, Simone, Gabrielle, and Angie all wish you and yours a safe and lovely winter season.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Michelle N. Messina, DDS!
We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!