Sweet Treats and Sensitive Teeth: How to Enjoy Christmas Without Harming Your Smile

If you have sensitive teeth, Christmas can be a difficult time to navigate. Sweet treats, ice cream, mulled drinks and other festive treats can be problematic for your teeth, leading to pain and discomfort. And if you let your oral care routine slip during the festive season, there’s also the risk that you could be creating the perfect conditions for tooth decay to thrive.

If you want to take good care of your teeth this festive season, make sure you read the top tips from our dental team. And if you do face a dental emergency, remember that you can always reach out to our team for support.

Common issues for your teeth at Christmas

Not sure where the dangers lurk at Christmas time? These are some of the most common issues you are likely to face.

Too many sweet treats

Christmas is a time for indulgence, so you might find yourself snacking on sweet treats like chocolate or indulging in desserts more often. You’re also more likely to enjoy a fruity festive cocktail, or have a steaming mug of sweet mulled wine. All of the festive treats available in abundance can hurt sensitive teeth, or leave you with increased risk of tooth decay.

Cold weather

During the winter you’re more likely to face a cold chill, which can be very painful on your teeth. If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you’re more likely to notice this during the winter when the change in temperature is more obvious.

Snacking between meals

With snacks and treats around all of the time, you’re more likely to find yourself grazing between meals. While an occasional sweet treat after a meal might not be too bad, frequently snacking between meals can be bad for your teeth and make sensitive teeth even worse.

Increase in alcoholic drinks

Your drinks choices during the festive period might lean more towards high calorie, sweet and indulgent options. Things like mulled wine can also attack the enamel of your teeth, leaving sensitive teeth feeling more vulnerable.

How can you protect your teeth at Christmas?

We’re not saying you have to give up sweet treats and avoid anything indulgent at Christmas time, but there are a few ways you can protect your teeth and avoid pain from sensitivity. These are our top tips to help you keep your smile looking beautiful, healthy and free from pain all winter long.

Avoid snacking between meals – You don’t have to give up sweet treats entirely, but try to only indulge after a main meal. This will ensure that your mouth produces enough saliva to be able to tackle the extra sugar.

Stick to your oral care routine – Your day to day routine might change when you have time off over the Christmas period, but try to stick to your oral care routine. Make sure you are brushing twice a day and flossing frequently to help keep your teeth healthy and happy. You can also switch to a sensitive toothpaste if you’re worried about sensitive teeth ruining your enjoyment.

Drink water between drinks – By switching between water and alcoholic drinks, you can limit your exposure to potentially problematic acids and extra sugar. This will give your teeth a much needed break so you don’t have to worry about stains or extra sensitivity.

Avoid problematic foods – Certain Christmas foods are just always going to be more trouble, particularly for those with sensitive teeth. Problem foods include very hard foods like nuts and hard caramels, or sticky foods like Christmas cake. By avoiding the foods that you know will cause you issues, you can protect your oral health.

Don’t ignore dental pain – If you’re facing sudden dental pain that keeps you up at night over the festive season, don’t ignore this. Dental pain is a clear sign that something is amiss, and you should treat this as an emergency.