The holidays are a time to rejoice, gather together with friends and family, and of course to indulge in good food. But for millions of people with tooth sensitivity, those holiday meals can be a real pain in the teeth. Thankfully, you don’t have to suffer to enjoy your holiday dinner. Avoiding tooth sensitivity at the holidays is easier than you may think with these helpful sensitivity busting tips!
Skip The Alcohol
While it can be fun to drink an alcoholic beverage or two during celebrations, most alcohol is highly acidic and can trigger tooth pain and sensitivity. For that reason, it may be wise to forgo that glass of alcohol and stick to something a little more tooth-friendly. If you must enjoy a glass or two of wine or spiked eggnog, alternate sips of water and be sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible afterwards.
(Don’t) Bring The Heat
Hot foods can also trigger tooth and gum sensitivity, so be wary of the temperature of your food. Drinks like hot coffee or soups can cause sharp, shooting pains, or dull aches if they’re too hot. Conversely, cold foods like ice cream can also trigger sensitivity, so be careful consuming those foods, too!
Candy Isn’t Always Dandy
It’s peppermint season! Did you know that an estimated 1.76 billion candy canes will be made this year, with approximately 90 percent being sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas? That’s a lot of hard candy – and a lot of sugar. Unfortunately, while delicious, candy like candy canes can trigger tooth sensitivity, because of the mint, the sugar, and the fact that many will be crunched, causing extra force on the teeth.
But there’s no need to pass up the peppermint! Drinks like peppermint mochas or hot chocolate with a candy cane dissolved in it let you still enjoy that minty-fresh taste without triggering tooth sensitivity!
Weather (Or Not)
Another trigger for tooth sensitivity, believe it or not, is the weather. Especially cold air can trigger tooth pain if you breathe with your mouth open while outdoors in frigid temps. If you do suffer from tooth sensitivity, be sure to bundle up and consider wearing a scarf over your mouth to protect your teeth against the elements!
Remember, if you suffer from tooth sensitivity, it’s important to discuss this with Dr. Abelar to make sure there is no underlying problem that needs treatment. In the meantime, brush with a sensitive toothpaste, and keep these tips in mind when attending your holiday dinner! Happy Holidays!
