The winter holidays mean joy, time spent with family and, of course, generous feasts. From traditional starters to fluffy cozonac (Romanian sweet bread), culinary temptations are everywhere. Even so, keeping your oral health in good shape over the holidays can be a challenge because of hard foods or bad habits.
Because we want you to enjoy a peaceful Christmas without any unpleasant incidents, we have put together a short guide to eating with care. Here is what to watch out for when you sit down at the festive table, so you can avoid unexpected pain.
Pork rind and hard foods: the enemies of enamel
There is no Romanian Christmas without fresh pork rind (șorici) or traditional platters. Although delicious, some of these foods pose a major risk to the integrity of your teeth, especially if you have large fillings or older prosthetic work.
Pork rind: Even if it seems soft at first, it can have very hard or rubbery parts which, under the pressure of chewing, can crack the enamel or fracture a fragile tooth. Cut it into small pieces and chew it carefully.
Cozonac and walnuts: Cozonac is always on the table, and most recipes include plenty of walnuts. Watch out for any pieces of walnut shell accidentally left in the filling! A confident bite into a slice of cozonac hiding a piece of shell is one of the most common causes of broken teeth over the holidays.
Meat on the bone: Whether it is a roast or other dishes, be careful when eating meat straight off the bone. One wrong move can quickly lead to an unplanned visit to the dentist.
Traditional candy and toffees
Gingerbread, Christmas tree candy and homemade cakes complete the festive menu. The problem is not only the sugar (which feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay), but also the sticky texture of certain candy.
Toffees, jellies or sticky candied fruit can act like a strong “glue”. They can stick to fillings or crowns and, in some cases, pull them off. Sugary residue also stays trapped in the grooves of the back teeth for a long time, encouraging acid attacks.
Our advice: After eating candy, rinse your mouth with water if you cannot brush your teeth right away. This helps neutralize acidity.
Your teeth are not tools!
This is probably the most important holiday tip. In the rush of preparations or opening presents, we are tempted to use our teeth to tear open packaging, tear tape or, worse, open bottles.
This habit is extremely dangerous. The risk of chipping or badly fracturing a front tooth is huge. Use scissors or a bottle opener – it takes a few seconds longer, but it saves your smile (and your budget) for the new year.
Your evening oral hygiene routine: don’t skip it, whatever the time
After a big meal and a few glasses of wine, the temptation to go straight to bed is strong. Even so, oral hygiene is crucial, especially after eating foods rich in sugars and acids.
Plaque forms quickly, and food left between your teeth overnight will speed up tooth decay and gum inflammation. Give yourself those 2 minutes to brush and floss before bed – your gums will thank you in the morning.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. What should I do if a filling falls out over the holidays?
If you are not in pain, keep the area as clean as possible by brushing carefully and avoid chewing on that side. Book an appointment as soon as the clinic reopens in January to have the filling redone.
2. Does red wine stain teeth?
Yes, red wine and spices can stain the enamel, and the acidity of wine combined with sugar can make teeth sensitive. Drink water after wine to rinse away the pigments.
3. Can I use toothpicks after a meal?
We do not recommend classic wooden toothpicks, as they can injure the gums and break between the teeth. Use dental floss or interdental brushes for safe cleaning.
4. Does chewing gum help after a meal?
Yes, sugar-free chewing gum (with xylitol) can stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and helps clear away food debris, if you don’t have your toothbrush handy.
5. Can I still call for an appointment this year?
Our reception takes phone calls for appointments only until closing time on December 23. After that date, we encourage you to use the contact form, and we will call you as a priority on January 5.
Dental CATTED holiday opening hours
Because we want to be transparent and help you plan your visits, here are our opening hours for the end of this year:
Until December 23: NORMAL HOURS (Last days for appointments!)
December 24 – January 4: CLOSED (Holiday break)
January 5: OPEN
January 6 – 7: CLOSED (Public holidays)
From January 8: Full opening hours resume.
If you weren’t happy with your smile in photos this year, turn that into a resolution for next year. January is a good month to start a complex treatment plan.
Book now for a healthy 2026!
The holidays are about relaxing, but your health remains a priority. If you have minor sensitivity or simply want to start the new year with a routine checkup, put your name on our waiting list.
Although the clinic will be closed over the holidays, our contact form is open around the clock. Fill it out now (especially if you can’t reach us by phone by the evening of December 23), and our colleagues will contact you as a priority on January 5 to arrange your visit.
👉 Reserve your January slot at Dental CATTED by filling out the contact form.
The Dental CATTED team wishes you Happy Holidays, full of smiles and treats enjoyed with care!
