What to Do When You Have a Dental Emergency Over the Holidays

The holidays are a time when many people travel and spend time with family and friends. But what do you do if you have a dental emergency while you’re away from home? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to handle a dental emergency over the holiday season.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate attention from a dental professional. This can include toothaches, abscesses, broken or chipped teeth, lost fillings or dental crowns and other dental issues that require prompt medical attention.

Determining if it’s an emergency

If you are not sure whether or not you are having a true dental emergency, answer the following questions:

• Are you bleeding from the mouth?
• Are you in severe pain?
• Do you have any loose teeth?
• Have you been hit in the face or mouth?
• Do you have any swelling in the mouth or facial area?
• Do you have any bulges, swelling or knots on your gums?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be having a dental emergency and should call your dentist immediately. It’s important to describe to your dentist exactly what has happened and what you are feeling.

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, get to your dentist’s office right away.
• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
• For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to visit your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.

What to Do if You Have a Dental Emergency Over the Holidays

If you experience a dental emergency over the holiday season, here are some steps you can take to get help:

1. Contact your dentist. If possible, call your regular dentist and let them know about your emergency. They may be able to provide advice over the phone or direct you to a local emergency dentist who can help.
2. Visit an emergency dentist. If you can’t reach your regular dentist, find an emergency dentist in the area where you are staying. Emergency dental offices typically have extended hours and can provide immediate treatment for dental emergencies.
3. Treat pain and discomfort. If your emergency involves pain, take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve the discomfort. If you are unable to reach a dentist or an emergency dental office, a pharmacist may be able to provide advice on how to manage your symptoms until you can get professional care. If you are in severe pain or experiencing  significant swelling, it’s important to seek medical attention at a hospital emergency room.
4. Follow up. If you receive treatment for your dental emergency, make sure to follow the dentist’s instructions and return home as soon as possible so that you can have any further treatment done by your regular dentist.

By following these steps if you experience a dental emergency over the holiday season, you can get the help you need quickly and safely.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Prevention is always better than cure and the best way to avoid a dental emergency.  Here are some tips to help you prevent dental emergencies:

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Regularly brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth healthy and strong, making them less likely to become damaged or injured in an accident.
• Wear a mouthguard. If you play sports or take part in any activity that involves physical contact, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from damage.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects. Hard foods and objects such as ice or popcorn kernels can cause chips or cracks in your teeth, so it’s best to avoid them.
• See your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Regular dental visits can help spot any problems before they become bigger issues and require emergency care.

Following these simple steps can go a long way to helping you prevent dental emergencies, so it’s worth taking the time to look after your teeth.

Make an Appointment with Young Family Dental

At Young Family Dental, we offer comprehensive dental care for the whole family. Our experienced teams at all of our locations can provide preventive care, emergency treatment and restorative services to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Contact us today to learn more!