The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration for many of us — but thanks to sweet treats and hectic schedules, it can also be a time for dental emergencies.
As a leading provider of urgent dental care, Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC wants everyone to enjoy the holiday season to its fullest, without falling prey to toothaches and swollen gums.
In this post, our team offers six tips to help you protect your smile without forgoing the joys of the holiday season.
If you’re overdue for a cleaning and checkup, now is the perfect time to schedule. Regular cleanings help eliminate tartar and plaque that can increase your risks of gum disease and cavities, plus, they help your smile shine its brightest for all the holiday festivities.
During your visit, we can look for other issues, like tiny cracks or fissures that could lead to further damage (and pain) if not addressed now. And of course, scheduling now means you can take advantage of your dental benefits before they expire at the year’s end.
Sticky candies, hard nuts, and crunchy popcorn kernels are holiday staples — and they’re also primary culprits when it comes to damaging your teeth. They might be delicious, but sticky, crunchy foods can loosen fillings, irritate gum tissue, and lead to cracks and fractures.
While it’s OK to enjoy most treats in moderation, it’s better to skip hard or sticky foods if you have restorations that could be dislodged or broken. Limiting sugary foods reduces the risk of painful cavities, but if you must indulge, at least rinse afterward with warm water to remove residue and help rebalance your mouth’s natural, protective pH.
A little tooth sensitivity or mild gum swelling or bleeding might not seem like a big deal, but these early symptoms can signal bigger problems ahead. Addressing these signs as early as possible is one of the best ways to avoid a painful emergency later on.
If you notice pain when you chew, swelling around your gums, or sensitivity to hot or cold, schedule a quick visit so we can evaluate your symptoms and make sure your teeth and gums get the care they need to stay healthy. Even a small cavity or minor infection can quickly grow worse, especially if you’re traveling or busy with other holiday happenings.
It might be tempting to tear open tough packaging with your teeth, but avoid the urge. Doing so can lead to tooth damage, including cracks or chips that can lead to decay and tooth infection.
Instead, keep a small pair of scissors on hand when wrapping or unwrapping gifts, and never use your teeth to open bottles or pry off lids. Getting up to retrieve a cutting tool might seem inconvenient, but it’s way better than dealing with a painful dental emergency.
Holiday gatherings and events can be enjoyable — but there's no denying they can also be disruptive. When nights run late, it can be oh-so tempting to skip brushing and flossing until the morning. But doing so can lead to big dental problems and a lot of discomfort later on.
Skipping your regular care routine allows acids more time to penetrate and damage enamel, while also giving plaque and tartar plenty of time to build up and harbor infection-causing germs. No matter how tired you are, remember: brushing only takes two minutes, and flossing adds about a minute to that total. Finish off with a protective mouth rinse, and your teeth and gums will thank you.
Keeping a dental emergency kit on hand can mean the difference between suffering with significant pain and coping until you can get to our office. Having a kit at home is great, but it’s also important to pack one when traveling.
Be sure to include pain-relieving medication (oral and liquid), dental floss, dental wax, a small toothbrush, and a travel-size tube of toothpaste. If you have aligners, dentures, or a retainer, be sure to pack them in their own protective case. Having these essentials on hand can keep a small issue from turning into an emergency — and make your trip much less stressful, too.
The holidays should be a time for celebration, not tooth pain. Taking a few precautions now can help you avoid dental issues, so you can focus on the joy of the holidays instead.
If you do experience a dental emergency during the holidays or any time, we’re ready to help. To learn how, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
