5 Gifts You Can Give Your Smile This Season

December arrives with twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and the spirit of giving. While you’re busy shopping for loved ones and wrapping presents, there’s one special someone who deserves your attention this holiday season—your smile. After all, a healthy, confident smile is the best accessory you can wear to every celebration, from office parties to family dinners.

This year, instead of waiting for New Year’s resolutions, give yourself the gift of excellent oral health. Your smile works hard all year long, helping you enjoy delicious meals, share laughter with friends, and make great first impressions. It’s time to show some appreciation. Here are five meaningful gifts you can give your smile this December that will keep it bright and healthy well into the new year.

A Professional Cleaning and Exam

The holiday season brings rich foods, sweet treats, and busy schedules that can make it easy to skip routine dental care. One of the best gifts you can give your smile is a thorough professional cleaning and comprehensive exam before the year ends.

Many people put off dental appointments during the hectic holiday months, but December is actually the perfect time to schedule your visit. If you have dental insurance, you likely have remaining benefits that will expire on December 31st. Using these benefits now means you’re maximizing your coverage and investing in preventive care that pays dividends throughout the coming year.

Professional cleanings remove stubborn plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t eliminate. Even with excellent home care, certain areas of your mouth remain difficult to reach completely. Your dental hygienist has the tools and expertise to clean below the gum line and between teeth where bacteria love to hide. This deep cleaning helps prevent cavities, reduces your risk of gum disease, and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and fresh.

The comprehensive exam that accompanies your cleaning is equally valuable. Your dentist can detect early signs of problems like tooth decay, gum inflammation, or oral cancer long before they become serious issues. Early detection means simpler treatments, less discomfort, and lower costs down the road. Think of it as preventive maintenance for your smile—catching small problems before they turn into big ones.

At Buford Family Dental, our experienced team utilizes the latest advancements in dental technology to provide thorough cleanings and detailed exams. We take time to evaluate every aspect of your oral health and explain our findings in clear, easy-to-understand terms. Plus, our comfortable environment helps even anxious patients feel relaxed during their appointments.

Schedule your end-of-year cleaning before the holiday rush intensifies. You’ll enter the new year with a clean slate—literally—and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your smile is in great shape.

An Electric Toothbrush Upgrade

If you’re still using a manual toothbrush, upgrading to a quality electric toothbrush might be the most impactful gift you give your smile this season. While manual brushing can be effective when done properly, electric toothbrushes offer significant advantages that make maintaining excellent oral hygiene much easier.

Research consistently shows that electric toothbrushes remove more plaque than manual brushing. The rapid vibrations or rotations—thousands of brush strokes per minute—can clean tooth surfaces more thoroughly and reach difficult areas more effectively. Many models include built-in timers that ensure you brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes, and some even alert you when it’s time to move to a different quadrant of your mouth.

When shopping for an electric toothbrush, look for these helpful features:

• Pressure sensors: These alert you if you’re brushing too hard, which can damage enamel and irritate gums
• Multiple brushing modes: Options for sensitive teeth, whitening, or gum care let you customize your cleaning experience
• Two-minute timers: Built-in timers help you brush for the optimal duration without watching the clock
• Rechargeable batteries: More environmentally friendly and cost-effective than disposable battery models
• Compatible replacement heads: Easy-to-find replacements ensure you can maintain your toothbrush long-term

Remember that even the best toothbrush requires proper technique. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and let the bristles do the work—don’t scrub aggressively. Replace brush heads every three months or sooner if bristles become frayed.

An electric toothbrush makes a practical yet thoughtful gift for family members too. Consider getting matching brushes in different colors so everyone in your household can enjoy improved oral care this holiday season.

Commitment to Addressing Dental Issues

Perhaps the most meaningful gift you can give your smile is the commitment to finally address dental problems you’ve been postponing. Whether it’s a persistent toothache, a chipped tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold, or cosmetic concerns that affect your confidence, December is an excellent time to schedule treatment.

Many people delay dental work because they’re worried about cost, time, or discomfort. However, procrastination typically makes problems worse, not better. A small cavity caught early requires a simple filling, but if left untreated, it can progress to an infection requiring a root canal or even tooth extraction. That nagging sensitivity might indicate a crack or exposed root that will only deteriorate with time.

The end of the year presents practical advantages for scheduling dental treatment:

• Use remaining insurance benefits: Most dental insurance plans reset on January 1st, meaning unused benefits disappear. If you’ve met your deductible or have remaining annual maximum benefits, using them now maximizes your coverage
• Flexible spending accounts: FSA funds often expire at year’s end. Using these pre-tax dollars for dental treatment is smart financial planning
• Time off work: Many people have vacation days to use before the year ends, making it easier to schedule appointments
• Fresh start: Beginning the new year with dental issues resolved sets you up for better overall health and confidence

Modern dentistry has made tremendous advances in patient comfort. Sedation options help anxious patients relax during procedures, and techniques like laser dentistry minimize discomfort and recovery time. At Buford Family Dental, we prioritize creating a comfortable, stress-free environment where you can focus on getting the care you need.

Talk to your dentist about treatment options that fit your budget and schedule. Many practices offer flexible payment plans through partners like CareCredit, Sunbit, or Cherry that make comprehensive dental care more accessible. Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from addressing oral health issues—explore your options and invest in your smile.

A Whitening Treatment for Holiday Confidence

The holiday season brings countless opportunities to smile—family photos, office parties, reunions with old friends, and celebrations with loved ones. If you’ve been feeling self-conscious about stained or discolored teeth, professional whitening treatment makes an excellent December gift to yourself.

Over time, teeth naturally become darker due to aging, diet, and lifestyle habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods leave surface stains that dull your smile’s brightness. Even with diligent brushing, these stains can be stubborn. Professional whitening treatments offered by your dentist provide dramatic results that over-the-counter products simply can’t match.

Professional whitening offers several advantages over store-bought options:

• Stronger formulations: Dentist-supervised treatments use higher concentrations of whitening agents for faster, more noticeable results
• Customized application: Custom-fitted trays ensure even coverage and prevent gum irritation
• Supervised safety: Your dentist monitors the process to protect tooth enamel and soft tissues
• Longer-lasting results: Professional treatments typically maintain brightness longer than drugstore alternatives
• Consistent outcomes: Professional-grade products deliver predictable, uniform whitening across all visible teeth

The timing couldn’t be better. Whitening your teeth before holiday festivities means you’ll feel confident in every photo and conversation. That boost in self-assurance can positively affect how you present yourself professionally and socially throughout the season.

Most professional whitening procedures are quick and comfortable. In-office treatments can brighten your smile several shades in just one visit, while take-home kits with custom trays let you whiten gradually at your convenience. Your dentist can recommend the best option based on your specific needs, the current shade of your teeth, and the results you hope to achieve.

Keep in mind that whitening works best on natural tooth structure. If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings on visible teeth, discuss this with your dentist before treatment, as these restorations won’t lighten and may need replacement to match your newly whitened smile.

With professional whitening, you can face the holidays with renewed confidence, knowing your smile looks its absolute best.

Better Oral Hygiene Habits and Tools

Sometimes the most valuable gifts don’t come in fancy packaging—they’re the daily habits and quality tools that protect your smile year-round. This December, commit to elevating your oral hygiene routine with better products and more consistent practices.

Start by evaluating your current dental care supplies. Are you using the right tools, or are you working with worn-out equipment that’s less effective? Upgrading key items can make a significant difference:

• Water flossers: These devices use pressurized water to clean between teeth and below the gum line, making flossing easier and more effective, especially if you have braces, bridges, or difficulty with traditional floss
• Tongue scrapers: Removing bacteria from your tongue surface freshens breath and improves overall oral hygiene
• Fluoride toothpaste: Choose American Dental Association-approved toothpaste with fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent decay
• Quality floss: Whether you prefer waxed, unwaxed, or floss picks, having floss you actually enjoy using increases the likelihood you’ll use it daily
• Mouthguard for grinding: If you clench or grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard protects against excessive wear and jaw pain

Beyond tools, recommit to the fundamental practices that keep smiles healthy:

• Brush twice daily for two minutes each time: Morning and night brushing removes plaque before it hardens into tartar. Set a timer or use an electric brush with a built-in timer to ensure you’re brushing long enough.
• Floss every single day: Food particles and bacteria hide between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Flossing once daily—preferably before bed—removes this debris and prevents gum disease.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day rinses away food particles, neutralizes acids, and maintains healthy saliva production that naturally protects teeth.
• Limit sugary snacks and acidic beverages: Frequent exposure to sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria, while acidic drinks erode enamel. When you do indulge, rinse with water afterward.
• Don’t use teeth as tools: Opening packages, cracking nuts, or holding objects with your teeth can cause chips, cracks, or jaw injuries.

Making these habits automatic transforms your oral health. Place your toothbrush and floss in visible locations so you don’t forget. Set phone reminders if needed. After a few weeks, these practices become second nature, and you’ll notice the difference in how clean and healthy your mouth feels.

Consider making oral health a family priority by encouraging everyone in your household to upgrade their routines together. Children learn by example, and establishing excellent habits early sets them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Give Your Smile the Gift of Professional Care in Buford

This December, as you spread joy to family and friends, remember to give your smile the attention it deserves. Whether you choose a professional cleaning, upgrade your brushing tools, address delayed dental work, brighten your teeth, or simply commit to better daily habits, each gift strengthens and protects your oral health.

The team at Buford Family Dental is here to help you make the most of the holiday season with a healthy, confident smile. With over 50 years of combined experience in general, cosmetic, and preventative dentistry, our Buford staff provides comprehensive care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. We’re conveniently located near I-985, making it easy for patients throughout Sugar Hill, Buford, and the Gwinnett area to access exceptional dental care.

Don’t let your dental insurance benefits expire unused. Don’t postpone treatments that could improve your health and confidence. This season, give yourself permission to prioritize your smile—it’s the best gift you can give yourself.

Contact Buford Family Dental today to schedule your end-of-year appointment and start the new year with a smile you’re proud to share. Your smile has been there for you all year long—this December, show it some love.