If you’re over the age of 7, we hope you don’t sing, “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth”—and mean it. There’s nothing like a cracked or missing tooth to derail holiday cheer. But accidents do happen. If you or one of your children experience a dental emergency over the holidays, we want you to feel prepared and confident that you’re taking the right steps. 

Steps to Take if the Dentist Office is Closed

Step 1: Determine Whether or Not You Have an Emergency.

Sharp pain in your teeth or gums, swollen or sensitive gums, and an inability to speak or eat normally may indicate that you have a dental emergency. An emergency may also occur as a result of trauma to your mouth. Trauma can cause excessive bleeding, a cracked tooth, or a knocked-out tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms and cannot wait until office hours, move on to Step 2. 

Step 2: Call the Office 

If you are experiencing pain due to trauma or infection, call our office. Our staff will check messages and respond as quickly as possible. If bleeding does not stop, your pain is too severe, or an infection begins to affect your breathing or eating, you may need to go to the ER. In many cases, the ER can only provide antibiotics or ensure an infection is not spreading. If your pain is manageable and the bleeding stops, wait for us to return your call & give you further instructions. 

Step 3: Protect the Problem Area

While you wait for an appointment, be careful with the teeth and gums surrounding the problem area. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, avoid chewing on the side of the problem area, and keep your mouth clean. 

• If your permanent tooth is knocked out, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk. If possible, put it back in the socket without touching the root. 
• For a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and then reduce swelling by holding a cold compress to your face. 
• If you have a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove debris caught between your teeth. 

Steps to Avoid a Dental Emergency 

Step 1: Be Careful When Eating

Be careful when eating popcorn, chewing ice, or eating hard candies. Use this holiday season to teach your kids about eating carefully and avoid crunching down on candy canes and peanut brittle. Limit your sugar intake, and remember to brush and floss after consuming sweet treats to reduce your risk of cavities. 

Step 2: Always Use Scissors 

Yes, your jaw is very strong, but you don’t have to prove it by tearing open a package with your teeth. A chipped or broken tooth is a big price to pay when scissors are within reach. 

We recommended having scissors ready Christmas morning so that no one is tempted to cut anything with their teeth. 

Step 3: Take Care of Your Teeth

Late-night snacks, festive parties, and rich indulgences seem to go hand in hand with holidays. We don’t want to be Scrooge, we just want to remind you to brush and floss your teeth twice a day and put simple practices in action so that your mouth stays healthy. 

We hope that your Christmas holiday is not interrupted by a dental emergency, but if an accident happens, contact Atkins and Anderson, DDS immediately.