During the holidays, most dentists close up their offices, however that doesn’t mean that your dental problems will stop. You may be planning on time with family, yummy meals, and many more festivities, but something you simply can’t plan for is a dental emergency. Do you know what to do next if you or your children injure their smile? Read on to learn your next steps during some of the most common holiday dental emergencies to keep you and your loved ones healthy and happy.
Do You Have a Toothache?
A toothache may seem like a sudden pain, but it’s typically an infection that is caused by poor dental hygiene. Especially around the holidays with the uptick in sugar consumption, toothaches are common. First, rinse out your mouth and floss around the area to ensure that it’s not just an irritating piece of food. Then, you can ease swelling with a cold compress, and you can also take over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen to manage discomfort.
Did Your Son or Daughter Get Their Tooth Knocked-Out?
It’s very common for kids to rough house and play hockey during this time of year, which may lead to a knocked-out tooth while on the ice. If this occurs, pick it up, rinse the tooth, and try to put it back in your child’s mouth. They can hold it in place with their tongue until you can visit the ER. If they aren’t able to do this, store the tooth in milk or water to keep it moist.
Does a Family Member Have Chipped or Broken Teeth?
Someone bites down on a piece of hard candy or an ice cube and now they have a chipped or cracked tooth. If this occurs, save the pieces of the tooth and rinse with saltwater. If there’s bleeding, hold gauze on the affected area to promote clotting. Then, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Do You Have a Lost Crown or Filling?
A lost crown or filling can put a real damper on your holiday spirit because it causes pain and sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods/drinks. If this happens, use dental cement found at your local drugstore to cover the area and protect it. You can even temporarily use a piece of sugarless gum to prevent pain and sensitivity.
For all of these situations, it’s important that you see your emergency dentist as soon as possible. Hopefully, you won’t have to deal with a dental disaster during your holiday, but if one does end up happening, you’ll know exactly what to do!
About the Practice
Dr. Doug Clark, Jr. and Dr. H. Douglas Clark III are a father-son team of dentists who offer quality, personalized care to their patients in Superior. They understand that emergencies can be common over the holidays, which is why they want you to know these pro tips for dealing with them. They currently practice at Hill Avenue Dental, and they can be reached through their website or by phone at (715) 392-5161.