By Dr. Raj Juneja, Cosmetic Dentist and Owner of Face Teeth Smile Dental Clinics.
The festive season is a time of celebration, with parties, indulgent foods, and a glass or two of red wine. While it’s a time for enjoyment, the Christmas period can also be particularly harsh on your teeth. As a cosmetic dentist and owner of Face Teeth Smile Dental Clinics, I see many patients who want to look their best during December but leave it too late to prepare their smile. The good news is, with the right approach, you can enjoy the season and maintain healthy, radiant teeth.
Professional Whitening – Start Early
If you want noticeably whiter teeth in time for Christmas, it’s essential to begin the process early. Professional whitening, carried out under the supervision of a dentist, is the safest and most effective way to achieve lasting results. Unlike shop-bought whitening strips or pastes — which often overpromise and underdeliver —professional whitening uses high-quality gels tailored to your needs.
A professional home whitening kit, prescribed after an in-clinic consultation, involves custom-made trays that fit precisely to your teeth. This ensures even whitening and predictable results. However, it is not an overnight solution; the process takes at least two weeks. For those hoping to showcase their brightest smile at Christmas parties, starting the treatment early is crucial.
The Role of the Dental Hygienist
Whitening is only as effective as the surface it is applied to. This is why I always advise patients to see a dental hygienist before starting whitening treatment. A thorough cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and superficial staining, leaving a polished surface for whitening gels to work more effectively.
One particularly effective option is AirFlow polishing, a treatment that uses air, water, and a fine powder to gently yet thoroughly lift stains from tea, coffee, wine, and tobacco. The result is teeth that not only feel cleaner but also look immediately brighter, even before whitening treatment begins.
Protecting Your Smile During Festivities
Seasonal favourites such as mulled wine, cranberry sauces, and rich desserts are among the biggest culprits for staining teeth. While avoiding them completely is unrealistic, a few simple steps can help. Drinking water between glasses of wine, choosing cheese to balance acidity, and brushing before you go out to remove plaque can all reduce the risk of staining.
It’s also important to avoid relying on “quick-fix” whitening toothpastes or off-the-shelf products. Many of these either contain abrasives that can damage enamel or whitening agents too weak to have any meaningful effect. They often lead to disappointment, and in some cases, harm. Professional whitening is the only reliable way to achieve both safety and results.
A Dentist Led Approach
Every smile is unique, which is why whitening should always be planned with professional guidance. During a consultation, your dentist can assess your overall dental health, discuss your goals, and create a treatment plan tailored to you. Whether that involves a home-whitening system, in-chair whitening, or a combination approach, you’ll benefit from a safe, predictable outcome.
Final Word
A confident, radiant smile is the best accessory during the Christmas party season. By planning ahead, seeing your dental hygienist, and trusting your dentist for professional whitening, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising your oral health. Avoid the lure of supermarket “quick fixes” and invest in treatments that truly work.
About the expert
Dr. Raj Juneja is a cosmetic dentist and owner of Face Teeth Smile Dental Clinics. He graduated from the University of Birmingham having gained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) with Clinical Distinction and followed on to complete post graduate training in Dental Implants, Orthodontics, Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry. Dr. Raj has also achieved a Post Graduate Diploma in Clear Aligner Therapy. He takes pride in delivering the very highest quality of care, while offering his patients personalised experiences and achieving exceptional results. This means treating everyone as an individual and considering their face, teeth and smile as a whole before making a plan.
The use of the most modern digital dentistry is something Dr. Raj is passionate about. He incorporates advanced techniques into all aspects of treatment and uses state-of-the-art equipment to offer comprehensive solutions to his patients. Dr. Raj has worked tirelessly to become a leader in his field and his vision for excellence is found in all the work done at Face Teeth Smile. Through extensive experience in performing Invisalign procedures, Dr Raj has become one of only a few dentists recognised as an Invisalign Diamond Provider. He’s a highly respected Invisalign Clinical Speaker and is involved in mentoring young dentists, with whom he shares his comprehensive knowledge. Dr Raj also has a keen interest in orthodontics and implants, as well as in aesthetic dentistry, which he believes should be done using minimally invasive techniques where possible.
Dr Raj’s qualifications include Certification in Cosmetic Dentistry and Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry, as well as Certification in Implant Dentistry. He’s currently working towards gaining his post-graduate diploma in orthodontics. Having been awarded the Central Counties Branch of the BDA Prize in Restorative Dentistry in 2015, he went on to win the NSK Rising Star Award and be recognised as a finalist in the Best Young Dentist category at the 2018 Dentistry awards. In 2020, he was a Best Young Dentist Finalist at the Private Dentistry Awards. Discover more at faceteethsmile.com
