Limit snacking between meals. Foods eaten as part of a meal cause less harm to your teeth because more saliva is released during mealtime. This helps to wash food particles from your mouth, lessening the acid build up that leads to tooth decay.When you need a snack, make nutritious choices, such as fruit, raw vegetables, cheese, plain yogurt or other snacks that are low in sugar.Instead of soda, choose healthy beverages, such as water or milk. Drinking eight to 12 glasses of water a day is recommended and consuming optimally fluoridated water helps prevent tooth decay. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.Floss daily to help remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria, which gets stuck between your teeth and gums.Schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months to help prevent problems from occurring and detect possible problems in their early stages.

"Good oral health is a major component of good general health," Dr. Galeone said. "Consuming a moderate amount of sweets followed by proper brushing, flossing and rinsing is the best way to enjoy the holidays while maintaining healthy teeth and gums."

Kids can learn about good oral hygiene and have fun at the same time in PDA's online Kids' Corner at www.padental/kidscorner. Designed specifically for kids, this section of our website is an excellent resource for children of all ages. It includes interactive games and activities, nutritional information, information on brushing and flossing, answers to frequently asked questions and more.

If you are a parent, don't forget to visit PDA's online Patient Resource Center at www.padental/patientinformation. The Patient Resource Center is a great source of information on a wide variety of oral health topics, such as nutrition, caring for baby teeth, what to expect at your child's first dental visit and fluoride.