Why Your Child’s Toothache Feels Worse Around the Holidays

The Toothache That Nearly Stole Christmas

Mia had been counting down the days until Christmas the way only a nine-year-old can, carefully marking each morning with a sparkly red pen, sneaking extra marshmallows into her hot chocolate, practicing her role as Christmas Angel for her school play.

But everything changed the night she bit into a candy cane.

Her mom, Jordan, remembers the moment clearly:
“One second she was smiling… and then suddenly she froze. She pressed her hand to her cheek and whispered, It hurts… right here.”

A dull ache at first.
Then a sharp zap every time she bit down.
By bedtime, Mia was curled on the couch, clutching an ice pack instead of her favorite holiday blanket.

That’s the part that scared Jordan most, kids bounce back from everything. But not this time.

Why now? she wondered.
Why right before Christmas, when everything is supposed to feel magical?

She needed answers. She needed help.
And she needed someone who understood that a child’s dental pain can unravel an entire family’s holiday.

When a “Small Twinge” Turns Into a Big Problem

The next morning, Jordan did what every parent does when something feels urgent: she googled why does my child’s tooth hurt when they bite down?

Hundreds of explanations appeared: cavities, cracked tooth, infection, “wait it out,” “absolutely don’t wait it out,” and the familiar holiday culprit: too much sugar.

None of it made her feel better.

And that’s exactly what we hear every December at Tiny Tooth Co. Dental pain doesn’t take a holiday break, and in fact, it often shows up at the worst possible time.

Why Toothaches Feel Worse During the Holidays

Kids’ routines change.
They snack more often.
Cold weather can increase sensitivity.
Sugary treats can irritate hidden problem spots.

And busy schedules mean small symptoms get missed until they become big ones.

At Tiny Tooth Co, we see it every season, those “it only hurts sometimes” concerns that quickly turn into late-night worry.

This is where Jordan found herself. And it’s where her story turns from panic… to relief.

The Search for Real Answers

Scrolling through endless advice wasn’t helping.
So Jordan took a deep breath and called Tiny Tooth Co, hoping someone would understand the urgency behind a mom’s voice when she says, “My daughter is in pain.”

She was met with warmth. Calm. Reassurance.
And an appointment that same day.

During the drive over, Mia rested her head against the window, occasionally wincing with each bump in the road.

“I just want her to enjoy Christmas,” Jordan whispered.

When they arrived, Mia perked up the moment she stepped into the bright, child-friendly space. She spotted the cheerful decorations, the holiday crafts set out in the kids’ area, and, most soothing of all, the gentle smile of Dr. Sarah Arafat.

(You can learn more about Dr. Sarah’s warm, child-focused approach here: About Dr. Sarah Arafat)

A Christmas Dental Mystery: What Was Really Going On

Dr. Sarah began with questions, not just clinical ones, but ones kids understand:

“Does it hurt with cold things?
Or when you chew something crunchy?
Show me where the tooth feels ‘grumpy.’”

Mia pointed immediately.

A quick exam and a set of safe, low-dose X-rays later, the culprit revealed itself:

A small cavity.
In a tricky spot.
One that only hurt when she bit down on something hard, like a candy cane.

Why This Happens More Than You Think

Sometimes cavities hide between teeth: quiet, sneaky, waiting for the perfect moment to make themselves known.

Holiday foods are perfect triggers:

• Candy canes
• Gingerbread cookies
• Sticky caramels
• Hot cocoa sipping (sugar sitting on teeth longer)