Modern Care Endodontics, Apple Valley, MN
The holidays are filled with family gatherings, festive treats, and winter traditions — but they are also one of the most common times of year for sudden tooth pain. Between cold weather, holiday snacks, and busy schedules, even people who never have dental issues can find themselves dealing with unexpected discomfort. That is why Modern Care Endodontics created this cheerful, easy-to-follow 12-Days guide — complete with practical tips for avoiding tooth pain — so you can protect your teeth, enjoy every celebration, and keep your smile feeling great all season long.
Let us count them down!
On the 1st Day of Christmas: Stay Warm — Cold Air Can Trigger Pain
Freezing Minnesota air can make teeth ache — especially when moving quickly from warm indoors to icy outdoors. Breathing through your nose and keeping your mouth covered can help protect your teeth and reduce discomfort.
On the 2nd Day of Christmas: Drink Water — Your Mouth Needs It
With holiday snacks everywhere, water helps rinse away sugars and keeps your mouth from drying out. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest, most effective tips for avoiding tooth pain all season long.
On the 3rd Day of Christmas: Do Not Chew Ice — Crushed or Cubed
Ice is one of the biggest culprits behind holiday dental emergencies.
- Ice cubes are hard enough to crack teeth outright.
- Crushed ice feels softer, but the tiny frozen shards can create microscopic fractures. Over time, those fractures deepen — eventually turning into painful cracks that require treatment.
- Holiday decorative candies and mints carry the same risk: let them melt instead of biting down.
On the 4th Day of Christmas: Go Easy on Sticky Treats
Caramels, toffees, gumdrops, and other sticky goodies can pull on teeth, loosen fillings, and pack into deep grooves. Enjoy treats in moderation and rinse with water afterward.
On the 5th Day of Christmas: Protect Trouble Spots
If you already know you have a sensitive tooth, a deep filling, or a tooth that occasionally “twinges,” be gentle with it this month. Avoid extreme temperatures and chew on the opposite side when possible.
On the 6th Day of Christmas: Snack Smart
Soft holiday foods such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, soups, soft rolls, and casseroles are all easier on teeth than crunchy snacks. Choosing softer options is another simple tip for avoiding tooth pain when celebrating with family.
On the 7th Day of Christmas: Keep Up Brushing & Flossing
Late nights and holiday gatherings make it easy to skip brushing — but plaque never takes a holiday break. Brush twice daily and floss once to keep bacteria from causing irritation or inflammation.
On the 8th Day of Christmas: Be Cautious with Hot Drinks
Hot cocoa, cider, and coffee are holiday favorites — but steaming temperatures can irritate gums and teeth. Let drinks cool slightly before sipping. If you are outside in the cold, avoid going from freezing temperatures to piping hot drinks too quickly.
On the 9th Day of Christmas: Do Not Use Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth as tools is one of the most common ways people crack teeth, break fillings, or injure their gums — especially during the holidays when everyone is opening gifts and packages in a hurry. Many dental emergencies happen because someone tried to:
- Tear gift wrap
- Crack nuts
- Open plastic packaging
- Cut tape
Even if it seems harmless “just this once,” these habits put tremendous stress on enamel and dental work. Reaching for actual scissors, nutcrackers, or cutters is a much safer choice — and it can save you from sudden tooth pain or an urgent trip to the dentist.
These habits are fast ways to chip or crack a tooth. Always reach for scissors or the right tool instead.
On the 10th Day of Christmas: Enjoy Holiday Fun
Holiday gatherings often center around delicious food — and that’s part of the magic! But filling the day with fun activities can give your teeth a break while still keeping the celebration lively. Instead of grazing nonstop, try mixing in festive traditions like:
- A family walk to look at holiday lights
- Playing board games or card games
- Building gingerbread houses (and decorating more than you eat!)
- Watching a favorite holiday movie together
- Doing a simple craft or ornament project
- Visiting a local holiday market or event
- Taking fun family photos or making a video message for loved ones
These activities keep the holiday spirit going, help everyone connect, and naturally reduce the constant munching that can lead to tooth pain — without making anyone feel restricted.
On the 11th Day of Christmas: Know When to Slow Down
If something twinges, aches, feels unusually sharp, or acts “different,” that’s your tooth’s way of asking for protection. Slowing down on chewing or avoiding certain foods for a day or two can prevent bigger issues.
On the 12th Day of Christmas: Call Us If Something Feels Off
Sudden pain, swelling, pressure, or sensitivity that lingers are not normal. These signs often mean a tooth is damaged or infected — and ignoring them can make things worse. One of the best tips for avoiding tooth pain during the holidays is acting early when something does not feel right before the holiday arrives.
For readers who want to learn even more about how endodontic treatment protects natural teeth, the American Association of Endodontists offers a helpful overview here: What Is Endodontic Treatment? (AAE).
Modern Care Endodontics is here to help if you need us this season. We want your holidays to be full of comfort, cheer, and — most importantly — pain-free smiles.
Lakeville
18572 Joplin Ave.
Lakeville, MN 55044
Apple Valley
15160 Foliage Ave.
Suite 100
Apple Valley, MN55124