5 Common Holiday Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

The holidays are a time for joy, family gatherings, and festive treats. But what do you do when a dental emergency threatens your holiday cheer? Here are five common holiday dental emergencies and how to handle them until you can see your dentist.

The Dentists of Omaha are dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care to the Omaha community. Regularly named Best of Omaha, services include family, general, and cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and emergency care, all delivered by a team of professionals committed to patient education and community involvement. 

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Crunching on hard candies or biting into a nut-filled dessert can easily chip or break a tooth. If this happens, rinse your mouth with warm water and save any tooth fragments. Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover any sharp edges to prevent cuts in your mouth, and avoid chewing on the damaged tooth.

Toothache

A sudden toothache can ruin your festive mood. Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove any trapped food particles. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort. Contact your dentist if the pain persists.

Lost Filling or Crown

Holiday candies and sticky treats are notorious for dislodging fillings or crowns. If this happens, clean the area and use temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to cover the exposed tooth. Avoid hard or sticky foods until your dentist can permanently fix the issue.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Whether a sports mishap or an accident, a knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency. Rinse the tooth gently without scrubbing it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it moist in milk or saliva and seek immediate dental care—time is crucial!

Braces or Wire Damage

Holiday feasts can wreak havoc on braces. If a wire becomes loose or breaks, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp ends and prevent irritation. Avoid hard foods and schedule an orthodontic repair as soon as possible.

Get Emergency Dental Care in Omaha, NE

Dental emergencies typically occur when you least expect them. Prepare in advance by knowing your dentist’s holiday hours and keeping an emergency dental kit on hand. With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle any dental mishap and keep your holiday celebrations merry and bright!

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call us at 402-307-6227 (Hillsborough), 402-307-6215 (Ralston Square), 402-505-7474 (Village Pointe), or 402-307-6220 (Dundee) right away.