The holiday season is a time for joy, family, celebrations, and plenty of treats. Between the sugary desserts, festive drinks, cold weather, and busy schedules, your gums and implants can take a hit this time of year. December is actually one of the most common months for patients to experience inflammation, sensitivity, and gum flare-ups.
To help you enjoy the season without sacrificing your smile, here’s your guide to keeping your gums healthy and your teeth feeling their best, plus how our office can support you every step of the way.
Don’t Skip Your Routine. Even During Holiday Chaos
Late nights, travel, and nonstop events make it easy to forget your usual brushing and flossing. But skipping even a few days can quickly lead to plaque buildup and gum irritation.
Holiday Tip:
Pack travel-size floss, a toothbrush, and a small mouth rinse in your bag or car so you always have them.
How We Can Help:
If you notice bleeding, irritation, or persistent bad breath, our office provides:
- Comprehensive periodontal cleanings
- Deep cleanings (scaling & root planing)
- Personalized gum-health plans
Be Smart With Sweets & Seasonal Drinks
Candy canes, peppermint bark, hot chocolate, eggnog, these delicious holiday favorites can stick to teeth, feed harmful bacteria, and raise acidity levels.
Holiday Tip:
Enjoy sweets with meals, rinse with water afterward, and try to avoid grazing throughout the day.
How We Can Help:
If sugar sensitivity is becoming an issue or you feel discomfort when eating certain foods, we can evaluate whether gum recession, exposed roots, or early gum disease is contributing to the problem.
Manage Cold-Weather Sensitivity
Many people notice their teeth feel extra sensitive when the temperature drops. This often comes from gum recession, meaning the roots of the teeth are slightly exposed.
Holiday Tip:
Avoid very hot followed by very cold drinks (think hot cocoa + iced cocktails) and use a sensitive toothpaste.
How We Can Help:
We offer several treatments to manage and reduce gum recession, including:
- Gum grafting
- Pinhole or minimally invasive soft-tissue procedures
- Treatments to strengthen exposed roots
Stay Hydrated. Your Gums Need It
Heaters, alcohol, traveling, and cold weather can all dry out your mouth. A dry mouth increases inflammation and raises the risk of gum disease.
Holiday Tip:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during holiday dinners and cocktail hours.
How We Can Help:
We can identify if dry mouth is linked to medication, gum disease, or other conditions and provide targeted treatments to protect the gums.
Start the New Year With a Healthier Smile
If you’ve been putting off gum treatment, implant consultations, or sensitive-tooth concerns, the end of the year is a perfect time to begin your journey, and our office offers advanced solutions for even the most complex cases.
Advanced Technologies & Specialty Implant Services
We proudly offer some of the most advanced surgical options in Houston, including:
- Zygomatic Implants: For patients with severe bone loss who were told they are “not candidates” for implants.
- Pterygoid Implants: A powerful option for stability in the back of the upper jaw.
- All-on-4® Full-Arch Solutions: Restoring full smiles with immediate, life-changing function.
- IV Sedation: For comfortable, anxiety-free treatment.
Ready to Get Back on Track? We Can Help.
Whether you’re struggling with bleeding gums, sensitivity, bone loss, or you’re finally ready to transform your smile with advanced implant solutions, our team is here to guide you compassionately.
Let’s make 2026 your healthiest year yet!