New Year’s Eve is the last bash of the year after a long line of holiday parties. It’s a time to step out in style and share time with friends and loved ones. And of course, there’s that crucial kiss at the stroke of midnight. Here’s what you can do to ensure that your mouth is as fresh as it can be.

Visit Your Dentist

Brushing and flossing on a regular basis will help you maintain good oral hygiene, but it’s also important to visit your dentist every six months. Your tenacious dental team will remove plaque and stains from Christmases past and restore your beautiful smile in time for the big countdown.

Stop Smoking

Tobacco products stain your teeth and make your breath unpleasant. They’re also bad for your health. To ensure fresher breath, start your New Year’s resolution early and try to quit now.

Whiten Your Smile

Light up the night by getting an in-office teeth whitening treatment at your next dental visit. It’s quick and effective, with some teeth lightening sessions only taking 20 minutes. Your dentist might also offer take-home kits with a custom solution tailored just for you. Hurry! The last day of the year is almost here.

Clean Your Tongue

Use a tongue scraper with a dab of toothpaste to gently remove bacteria. There are several types of brushes, scrapers and water irrigators available in most retail oral care aisles.

Take Two

You’ll most likely be eating and drinking the night away. Do yourself and your partner a favor and ditch the mints. Instead, sneak away for a minute or two just before midnight and give your mouth a thorough cleaning. Floss first, then brush your teeth, gums and tongue so your mouth is food particle-free when the moment happens. 

3 … 2 … 1 … Happy New Year!