The festive season is a time for family, friends, and celebration, but unfortunately, dental emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times. 

Whether it’s a sudden toothache during Christmas dinner or a chipped tooth while enjoying festive treats, knowing what to do can make a huge difference. At Heathwood Dental Practice, we’re here to guide you through how to handle these situations calmly and effectively.

Common Causes of Dental Pain During the Holidays

The holidays often mean indulgence in sweet treats, crunchy snacks, and perhaps a few glasses of bubbly. While enjoyable, these can increase the cause of dental pain. Biting down on hard foods, such as nuts or candy canes, can chip or crack teeth. Sugary foods and drinks may aggravate existing cavities, leading to discomfort. And if you have dental work such as crowns or fillings, changes in temperature from hot and cold drinks might trigger sensitivity.

Understanding the cause of dental pain can help you decide whether you need emergency care or if the issue can wait until after the holidays.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation where immediate professional attention is needed to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Examples include:

• Severe or persistent toothache
• Broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth
• Swelling or infection in the mouth or gums
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Lost fillings, crowns, or veneers causing pain

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call your dentist for advice. At Heathwood Dental Practice, our friendly team can help assess the situation and advise on the best next steps, even during the festive period.

Immediate Steps You Can Take

While waiting to see a dentist, there are a few things you can do to ease discomfort:

• Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief (as advised by a pharmacist). Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth.
• Chipped or broken tooth: Rinse with warm water and keep any broken fragments. If there’s bleeding, apply a clean gauze pad and gentle pressure.
• Knocked-out tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try to place it back in its socket. If not possible, keep it in milk and seek immediate dental help.
• Lost filling or crown: Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Temporary dental cement, available from pharmacies, can offer short-term protection.

These steps can prevent the situation from worsening until you can reach a dentist.

Getting Help from Heathwood Dental Practice

If you experience a dental emergency during Christmas, contact Heathwood Dental Practice, your trusted Crowthorne dentist. We understand that emergencies don’t take holidays, and our team is committed to providing care and support when you need it most.

We can guide you over the phone and arrange emergency appointments where possible. Our priority is to relieve pain and protect your oral health so you can return to enjoying the festive celebrations as soon as possible.

Preventing Dental Problems During the Holidays

To avoid unexpected issues, try to:

• Brush and floss regularly, even when busy with festivities.
• Limit sticky or hard sweets.
• Avoid opening packages or bottles with your teeth.
• Stay hydrated to maintain saliva flow, which protects against decay.

A dental emergency can quickly put a damper on your Christmas celebrations, but knowing what to do — and who to call — can make all the difference. The caring team at Heathwood Dental Practice in Crowthorne is always ready to assist. Whether it’s advice over the phone or an urgent appointment, we’ll help you manage the cause of dental pain and get you smiling again this festive season.