If you're worried about staining your teeth during the holidays, you may have good reason. You might not realize this but the holidays are packed with situations that could increase your risk for dental stains. The best way to avoid the stains is to be prepared for every situation. Here are four simple tips that will help keep your teeth their brightest white this holiday season -- and throughout the year. 

Pack Your Dental Supplies

If you're going away for the holidays, be sure to pack your dental supplies. Showing up without your supplies could put your teeth at risk for stains and more serious dental problems. To keep the stains away, you need to brush and floss your teeth several times a day, especially after each meal. When choosing your toothpaste, be sure you reach for one that provides stain-fighting benefits, such as one that contains baking soda. The baking soda additive will brush away the stains without damaging the enamel on your teeth. 

Choose Your Snacks Wisely

Holiday parties are notorious for providing lots of access to delectable snacks such as pastries and candies. Unfortunately, many of the snacks you eat -- especially those containing cherries or blueberries -- can cause damage to your teeth, including unsightly stains. When reaching for the holiday snacks, be sure to choose wisely. Some of the snacks you choose will actually protect your teeth and remove stains. Those snacks include fresh crunchy vegetables such as carrots, celery, and broccoli, as well as fresh cheese. You might not realize this but snacking on cheese is a great way to clean and strengthen your teeth. 

Say No to the Wine

When it comes to holiday parties, wine is one of the biggest problems where dental stains are concerned. You might think that steering clear of the red wines will help eliminate the risk of dental stains; however, that's not actually the case. Drinking white wine can also put your teeth at risk for unsightly stains. To protect against stains this holiday season, say no to the wine and drink sparkling water instead. 

Increase Your Water and Milk Intake

If you want to end the holiday season with bright white teeth, increase your water and milk intake. Water and milk both help to rinse stain-causing food and bacteria off your teeth. They also help increase saliva production, which can help to eliminate stains. Best of all, increasing your milk intake can help strengthen your teeth, reducing your risk for cavities. 

Don't let the holidays leave your teeth with unsightly stains. Use the tips provided here to keep your teeth their whitest. If you do notice a bit of discoloration on your teeth, be sure to contact your cosmetic dentist as soon as possible. A post-season whitening treatment can eliminate the problem.