7 Holiday Foods That Could Trigger Your Sensitive Teeth

If you have sensitive teeth, you know how much of a struggle it can be in your everyday life. Anytime you try to enjoy your morning coffee, an ice cream cone, or even a glass of ice water, your teeth don’t appreciate it. During these winter months, there are all sorts of delicious foods that come around, but many of them could trigger pain in your mouth if you aren’t careful. An emergency dentist in Doylestown lists some treats that you should probably avoid so you don’t have to face the painful consequences.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits have all sorts of benefits for your health. They are high in vitamin C and many people are a fan. However, the advantages of consuming these fruits does not translate to your dental health. In fact, they can actually be quite harmful, especially if your teeth are already sensitive. It is probably in your best interest to skip the wassail around the holidays. The acidic nature of the beverage can corrode your enamel over time, causing your teeth to be even more sensitive and weak.

Eggnog

This is probably the worst thing you can drink during the holidays. It is sweet and delicious, but that is the problem. Because it has so much sugar, the bacteria in your mouth have a lot to feed off of. As a result, they will release a weak acid that will weaken your protective enamel. Ultimately, your teeth will be even more sensitive than usual.

Wine

With your holiday meals this year, you may want to enjoy a glass of wine. However, this is not a good option for your sensitive teeth. Wine is quite acidic which will only contribute to your sensitivity. If you decide to have a glass, rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Be sure to wait at least 30 minutes before you brush so you don’t damage your already softened enamel.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Even though sweet potatoes are beneficial vegetable, when you cover them with marshmallows, this will do no good for your sensitive teeth. They are sugary and will stick to your teeth, making your sensitivity worse than before. They also contain gelatin which can contribute to bad breath.

Stuffing

This may seem like the perfect side for your turkey dinner, but it is actually quite a gummy and sticky food. It can get stuck between your teeth where bacteria will break it down, turn it into acid, and wear away your enamel that is protecting the sensitive nerves in your teeth.

Cranberry Sauce

You may think cranberries are healthy, and they are! However, the processed, jelly-like cranberry sauce that comes in a can is not doing anything good for your smile. It contains corn syrup and other artificial products that feed bacteria. If you are wanting cranberry sauce, try to find a recipe that uses fresh cranberries. This way, you can control the amount of sugar it contains.

Candy Canes

They look good when hanging on your Christmas tree, but your teeth won’t look so good when you eat them too often. Candy canes are pretty much pure sugar, so you aren’t doing your smile any favors. They can even crack or chip your teeth if you bite down on them wrong.

This holiday season, you don’t want to be dealing with especially sensitive teeth. Be wary of the foods and beverages listed above so you can enjoy this festive time with your family.

About the Author

Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky is an experienced dentist who has spent nearly 35 years working in the industry. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and has completed continuing education at both the Dawson Academy and Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Dr. Rakowsky is a member of both the American Dental Association and Pennsylvania Dental Association. To learn more about tooth sensitivity or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (215) 348-2224.