How to Avoid a Dental Emergency This Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us and so is the busyness that accompanies them. Among all of the items on your to-do list, one that you definitely don’t want to have to add is an unexpected trip to the dentist. It can be more challenging than usual during the holidays to take care of your teeth. Harder snacks like candy and nuts also put your teeth at a greater risk of cracking or breaking. Keep reading to find out what your Ridgefield dentist has to share about what a dental emergency looks like and how you can avoid an unplanned visit to the emergency dentist this holiday.

How Do I Know if It’s an Emergency?

The first thing to know when you’re planning to avoid the risk of a dental emergency is what one actually looks like. There’s a big difference between feeling slight discomfort in your teeth and a knocked-out tooth. Here is a list of a few instances when you might need to take a trip to the emergency dentist:

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you or someone in your family loses a tooth, time is truly of the essence. In fact, if the tooth is not broken, there is a good chance that your dentist may be able to save it and return it to its original place. If the tooth is still intact, place it in a dry, clean cloth and contact your dentist right away.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

The functionality of your mouth will be significantly affected if you break or chip a tooth. Not only can it change the way you speak, but it can also impede the ability to chew, which is never fun, especially around the holidays. If this happens, rinse your mouth out with warm water, get an ice pack, and head to the dentist.

Severe Toothache

A toothache that is persistent or severe enough to distract you from daily life is not something you want to delay seeing the dentist about. If you’re experiencing tooth pain beyond an occasional dull ache, give your dentist a call as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can take an over-the-counter medication to manage the pain and reduce any swelling.

Dislodged Crown

If you have a crown that becomes dislodged from your tooth, you will need to have that replaced immediately, as the nerves in your tooth will be exposed. The first thing to do is to try to locate the crown immediately. If you have a dental adhesive or even toothpaste on hand, these can help to temporarily hold it in place until you can make it to the dentist office.

The most helpful thing you can do if you find yourself experiencing a dental emergency is to stay calm so that you can keep a clear head. This will help you and your family to navigate the situation and get to the emergency dentist as soon as possible. Having a clear head can help you and your family navigate through a dental emergency and make it to the dentist quickly for professional assistance.

Pro Tips for Avoiding Dental Emergencies This Holiday

The worst part about an emergency, is that it typically is not expected. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple ways you take prevent your family from having to deal with any dental drama this year:

• Watch out for hard treats and choose softer goodies to munch on.
• Limit your sugar consumption to protect your teeth from decay.
• Practice oral hygiene by flossing and brushing twice a day to prevent plaque build-up.
• Drink lots of water to rinse off your teeth and stay hydrated so that bacteria don’t spread in your mouth.

Set a plan for a smile-safe holiday season, and avoid any dental emergencies!

About the Author

Dr. Dana C. Jones and Dr. Josephine A. Franzese lead the team of dental experts at Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center. They have years of experience with treating dental emergencies, and it is their priority to educate all of their patients on how to take the best care of their smiles as possible. Comfort and building long-lasting relationships are a priority at their practice. Are you prepared to keep your smile safe this holiday season? Request an appointment online, or call us at (203) 438-8919.