Dentists from the Australia-wide Dental Boutique share their list of dos and don’ts when it comes to our pearly whites this holiday season.

Kick the crunch: The candy canes will have to stay on the tree as we’re advised to avoid crunchy, sticky or extra-hard sweets and treats that can potentially crack teeth.

Don’t rush to brush: After indulging in a sweet treat or something acidic, wait 30 minutes before picking up the toothbrush so your saliva has time to rebalance your mouth’s pH levels.

Help Santa care for his teeth: Tooth-friendly snacks to leave out for Santa include milk which is packed with calcium, and proteins like turkey, which are loaded with phosphorus which works with calcium.

Pack your brush: This one is easy. When travelling, be sure to take your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash and any special aligners or appliances in your rotation with you.

Booze: Drinking alcohol can dry out your mouth, which leads to a higher risk of decay. Those delicious cocktails also tend to be high in sugar, something to keep in mind this season.

Bye to bad breath: Before reaching for a sugary mint, try some cinnamon, parsley, green tea, crunchy fruit and veg and lemon water to neutralise any odours.

Gingerbread house is on the cards: Not all cookies are on the naughty list. Gingerbread, although full of sugar and carbs that feed plaque-producing bacteria, also contains molasses, which provides key minerals for healthy tooth enamel.

Festive pain: If you experience tooth pain over the holidays, call your dentist for an emergency appointment or look for an emergency dental clinic.