Holiday Treats and Toothaches: How to Keep Your Smile Merry and Bright This Season

The holiday season is full of sweet treats and busy schedules. For many people, this spells teeth trouble. If you’re struggling with holiday toothaches, you’re not alone.

Fortunately, there are plenty of toothache remedies you can use to preserve your oral health this season. You don’t have to give up your favorite holiday meals to enjoy a healthier smile. Instead, try these easy tips for toothache relief as the holidays ramp up—along with your sugar cravings.

Watch out for sticky and hard candies.

Hard, sticky candies are a classic stocking stuffer. Think caramels, toffee, and candy canes. They’re often sitting in a classy-looking bowl right by Grandma’s front door as relatives show up for holiday celebrations.

However, these candies can stick around on your enamel and even crack your teeth. Sugar content aside, extremely hard and sticky foods may weaken your teeth and contribute to holiday season toothaches.

The solution? Enjoy these goodies in moderation. If you’re able to, either rinse your mouth out with water or brush your teeth immediately after eating them.

Avoid biting down directly on hard shells and candy canes to keep your teeth strong and pain-free. A safer approach can be to suck on hard candies until they’ve dissolved in your mouth. If you do bite down on one, chew it thoroughly, and then take a break from other hard foods afterward.

Don’t forget to brush and floss.

Busy days and late nights are common during the holiday season. This can lead to skipping your dental hygiene routine. If you carry one toothache relief tip with you this year, let it be this: Don’t stop brushing and flossing regularly.

Flossing removes food buildup and plaque from between each tooth, while brushing cleans sugars and starches from the surface of your teeth and gums. Both are essential steps in your daily routine if you want to avoid tooth pain.

Skipping out on brushing and flossing feeds the bad bacteria in your mouth with leftover food debris. These bacteria produce acidic compounds as a byproduct, and this acid can make your teeth more sensitive. Poor oral hygiene is a common culprit of holiday toothaches.

One way to stay on top of your oral hygiene is to pack travel-size supplies and bring them with you on the go. Add a portable toothbrush and small containers of toothpaste, floss, and fluoride mouthwash to your kit. This way, you’ll never have a reason to skip out on brushing and flossing.

Stay hydrated.

Water rinses away sugars and food particles from the surface of your teeth. It’s also helpful for swishing between your teeth and removing trapped debris. While rinsing with water is not a replacement for flossing, it helps between brushing sessions.

Avoid drinking too many sugary drinks and cocktails. A good rule of thumb is to drink one full glass of water for every “fun” beverage you consume. This will keep you hydrated and help clear harmful buildup from your mouth.

Drinking water helps you avoid toothaches by clearing the sugar residue from your mouth. Toothaches and persistent pain are common symptoms of tooth decay, which is often sped up by excessive sugar consumption.

Book your year-end checkup.

It’s easy to forget your usual appointments during the holiday rush, but it’s important to make time for a dental visit. Year-end dental checkups help you catch oral problems early, before they progress and cause pain.

During these checkups, your dentist will evaluate your oral hygiene and dental health. They’ll look for signs of tooth decay and ask about any tooth pain or sensitivities you’re experiencing.

If you have persistent aches or sharp pains in your mouth, you may need a specific procedure or treatment. Your dentist can explore your options with you and offer suggestions on how to improve your at-home habits.

As a fun bonus, many dentists’ offices offer small, travel-friendly tubes of toothpaste with every visit. There’s no better time to grab one than right before the holiday photo spree hits.

Family Dentistry in Austin That You Can Trust All Year Long

Your health matters all throughout the year, whether physical or dental. In Austin, TX, the friendly team at Parmer Lane Family Dentistry is well-versed in helping patients get tooth pain relief and avoid decay all year long. You don’t have to give up your favorite holiday treats when you take steps to protect your dental health along the way.

If you’re having consistent toothaches, sharp tooth pain, or other problems, turn to our team to enjoy the holidays with comfort and cheer. Book a checkup with us today.