The holidays in Metairie bring more than twinkling lights at Lafreniere Park and shopping trips along Veterans Memorial Boulevard. They also bring a packed calendar filled with family gatherings, office parties, and plenty of sweet treats. With so much happening, it’s easy to overlook your smile.
Dr. Charvet and Dr. Charvet Jr. encourage patients to see the end of the year as the perfect time to protect their oral health at Charvet Dental Center. These year-end dental care tips will help you enjoy the season and head into 2026 with confidence.
1. Don’t Let Insurance Benefits Go to Waste
One of the most overlooked aspects of dental care is insurance coverage. Most plans are designed around preventive visits, which means you’re already paying for two cleanings and exams each year. If you don’t use them, those benefits disappear once January 1 arrives.
That unused value can add up. A cleaning and exam not only protects your oral health but can save you from more expensive treatments later. For example, catching a small cavity during a covered exam could prevent the need for a crown down the road.
We advise against waiting until the last week of December. Schedules fill up fast in Metairie, especially with holiday travel and school breaks. Calling early ensures you get an appointment time that works best for you and your family.
2. Book a Professional Cleaning Before Holiday Indulgence
The holidays bring countless opportunities to enjoy foods that can challenge your teeth: sticky pralines, pecan pie, and festive cocktails with citrus and sugar. While brushing and flossing at home are essential, they can’t remove hardened tartar that clings to your enamel.
A professional cleaning at Charvet Dental Center does more than polish your teeth. It gives our team a chance to check for early signs of gum disease, enamel wear, or cavities. We often catch problems long before they become painful or costly.
Why it matters:
- Removes tartar and stains that brushing alone cannot handle
- Reduces gum inflammation that can lead to periodontal disease
- Gives your teeth that smooth, polished feel and shine—perfect for holiday photos
Think of it as a seasonal reset for your smile before the festivities begin.
3. Tackle Small Issues Before They Grow
Dental concerns rarely fix themselves. That sensitivity when sipping hot coffee at PJ’s or a small chip from biting down on ice may not seem urgent, but these issues can escalate quickly. A small cavity left untreated can spread deeper into the tooth, requiring a root canal or crown. A cracked filling can allow bacteria in, leading to more serious decay.
By addressing these concerns now, you’ll avoid dental emergencies that always seem to strike at the worst times, like during holiday travel or when offices are closed.
Our team provides both preventive treatments, such as sealants and fluoride, and restorative options to repair damage early. Our goal is to keep your care simple, comfortable, and cost-effective.
4. Smart Holiday Habits for a Healthy Smile
We never want our patients to feel like they can’t enjoy holiday treats, but a few smart habits can help you keep balance:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day washes away sugars and acids while helping neutralize your mouth’s pH.
- Time your sweets: Eat sugary foods with a meal instead of as a stand-alone snack. Increased saliva during meals helps wash away debris.
- Choose wisely: Dark chocolate is less likely to stick to teeth than caramel or pralines.
- Don’t chew ice or crack nutshells: Both can fracture enamel and dental work.
- Carry a travel kit: A small toothbrush, floss picks, and travel-sized toothpaste can be a lifesaver at holiday gatherings or while visiting family out of town.
These small adjustments allow you to enjoy the season while avoiding an unexpected trip to the dentist.
5. Plan Ahead for the New Year
December is an opportunity to look forward. Many patients use their year-end visit to discuss goals for the coming year. This might include:
- Cosmetic dentistry: Whitening before Mardi Gras celebrations, or veneers for long-term improvements.
- Restorative care: Planning for crowns, bridges, or implants in a way that works with your insurance coverage.
- Preventive scheduling: Mapping out cleanings for the year ahead so they don’t get lost in a busy calendar.
By working with Dr. Charvet and Dr. Charvet Jr. to create a personalized care plan, you’ll start the new year with clarity and confidence.
Why Local Dental Care Matters in Metairie
Choosing a dentist close to home isn’t just convenient, it’s essential for staying consistent with your oral health. We understand the needs of our neighbors in Metairie and greater Jefferson Parish.
- Students at Archbishop Rummel High School or Archbishop Chapelle often need preventive care that works around busy school and sports schedules.
- Families enjoying weekends at Lafreniere Park benefit from a trusted dental team that helps children and adults alike feel comfortable in the chair.
- Professionals commuting into New Orleans count on flexible scheduling and reliable care they don’t have to second-guess.
By staying connected with a local provider, you get care that’s not only clinically excellent but also rooted in your community’s needs.
Year-End Dental Care FAQs
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
You can still schedule preventive visits and treatments without coverage. Many patients find that routine cleanings and exams are affordable out of pocket, especially compared to the cost of delaying care and needing more extensive procedures later.
Can I bring my child for a year-end visit, too?
Absolutely. The holiday break from school is a great time to bring children in for a check-up or cleaning. It’s easier to fit into their schedule and gives you peace of mind heading into the new year.
What if I’m traveling during December?
We recommend booking your appointment as early as possible. Even if you’ll be out of town for the holidays, scheduling in November or early December still allows you to use your benefits and protect your smile before the year ends.
How long does a typical visit take?
Most cleanings and exams at Charvet Dental Center take less than an hour, making it easy to fit into a busy holiday schedule.
Schedule Your Year-End Appointment with Charvet Dental Center
The end of the year is the right time to take charge of your smile. By scheduling your visit now, you can make the most of your dental benefits, address any lingering concerns, and walk into 2026 with the confidence of a healthy smile.
Our team at Charvet Dental Center in Metairie is here to help you finish the year strong and start the new one with peace of mind. Call today to reserve your appointment with Dr. Charvet and Dr. Charvet Jr. and give yourself the gift of lasting oral health.