7 Dentist-Approved Tips to Prevent Holiday Dental Emergencies

Key Takeaways:

• Plan your checkups ahead of the holidays
• Be careful what you eat and avoid hard and sticky treats if you can
• Protect any dental work that you already have in your mouth
• Develop an oral routine to prevent bacteria from forming

Toothaches are considered among the most uncomfortable and painful experiences one can have. The most severe toothaches are so sore that even eating, sleeping, and speaking become nerve-wracking. Over the holidays, it can be a serious problem to deal with if your regular dentist isn’t around. To save yourself from that nightmare, here are some practical ways to prevent a major dental emergency and potentially save your holiday season.

1. Check In With Your Dentist Before the Holidays

Listen. One of the easiest ways to avoid a holiday dental emergency is to speak with your family dentist and inquire about their holiday schedule. Dentists tend to have a life outside of cleaning and caring for teeth, and sometimes that life involves traveling for the holidays. To stay ahead of the curve and avoid issues during the holidays, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

If they are going to be away, check to see if they have made alternative arrangements for their usual patients. The reason this is a good idea is that some dentists have a number where they can be reached only for emergencies. There are also times when dentists cover for one another. Your dentist could have someone they know and trust covering their office while they’re away. Do your best to find out if your dentist has made alternative arrangements while they’re away. This gives you time to find a nearby dental office in case the worst happens.

2. Skip The Dessert Table

Let's face it, every holiday party is going to be loaded with sweets. You’re going to be tempted by cookies, cakes, hot fudge, caramel popcorn, and the works. Unfortunately, as much as we all love to indulge in the goodies, excess sugar is detrimental to our dental health. In fact, the reason most dentists advise people to avoid sweets is to protect them from cavities and other dental issues.

Cavities can be a significant problem for your gums and often accompany other issues, such as inflamed gums and severe pain. When you eat too much sugar, some of it gets stored in your teeth and on your tongue. The bacteria in your mouth feed on this, and it can be a problem. In severe cases, an oral surgery, such as a root canal or tooth extraction, may be required to address the issue. That alone could cause a few days of misery, but scheduling this during the holidays could be a potential nightmare!

3. Don’t Neglect the Existing Dental Work

If your dentist has already done some work on your mouth, follow their guidance and maintain it. The easiest way to cause a dental emergency over the holidays is to neglect any dental work that is already in your mouth. If you have any implants, veneers, or crowns, the usual holiday festivities can definitely cause you to break something accidentally. In fact, temporary dental crowns are sometimes the first to break during the holidays.

They are fragile, and if you aren’t careful with them, you can find yourself calling your dentist faster than you thought. Sticky foods, such as caramel popcorn, can be a deal breaker for dental crowns. The same thing goes for hard foods; we’re talking about those raw vegetables and even candy canes. All of those can shake your crown loose or worse, break it completely, putting you in a painful and miserable state.

4. Be Like the Pros - Wear Protection

Planning on a game of ice hockey this winter? Great! An intense game on the ice is typical in NYC, and there are plenty of places to go if you want to get your money’s worth. But be smart about it and wear a mouthguard! There’s a reason why you see some hockey players with missing teeth and why others still have their original smile. You want to be the latter, of course.

The same applies to skating, ice sledding, and skiing. Packing the mouthguard probably isn’t the first thing on your checklist, but it’s highly advised for high-risk winter activities. When it comes to avoiding a mouth injury, mouthguards can go a long way in making sure the photos look as good as they should. Protect your pearly whites the next time you play in the snow or glide across the ice.

5. Book a Dental Screening

Before you get into your holiday plans, make it a point to consult with your dentist and schedule a comprehensive dental screening. Instead of a routine cleaning, getting a dental screening will help you identify any potential issues to watch out for. Things like inflamed gums, leaky fillings, and any possible risks to any recent dental work that you already had done. If you have any concerns or simply want to be prepared before traveling for the holidays, consult your dentist and obtain a list of preventive measures to take.

6. Hydrate and Brush Your Teeth

You may not realize it, but your saliva is protecting you from cavities.. Most people aren’t aware of this, but saliva is the mouth’s natural defense against cavities and other nasty dental issues. Saliva is actually a critical part in protecting your teeth from decay. What it does is neutralize acid and remove the harmful bacteria that form in your mouth. It repairs enamel and keeps your teeth healthy.

During the holidays, people tend to drink more alcohol and other sugary holiday beverages, which can dry out your mouth. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a glass of eggnog or having a glass of wine. It’s just a matter of what you do after the fact that matters. Drink water, brush your teeth, floss, and rinse with mouthwash to maintain a healthy and clean mouth.

7. Build a Dental Emergency Bag

Unfortunately, you can’t predict and prevent every issue, but it is beneficial to prepare a dental emergency kit for when things get bad. Building a kit is easy. In addition to your travel toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash, you’ll need a few other essential items to complete your set: \

Temporary Filling and Loose Cap Repair Kit

You can find them at most drug stores. They’re usually inexpensive and can save you in a pinch if you damage your dental crown.

Saline Rinse Packets

Use these to flush away bacteria and reduce inflammation in your gums. It’s like a saltwater rinse.

Pain Medication

Painkillers like ibuprofen can be a lifesaver if you experience a painful toothache. Be sure to consult with your dentist to determine the most suitable type of painkillers for you.

If things get too serious, don’t let it escalate. A fever, facial pain, or bleeding can be signs of a bigger issue. Call your emergency dentist (NYC) as quickly as possible!