The Most Common Holiday Dental Emergencies (and How to Get Immediate Care)

The holidays are a joyful time filled with family gatherings, festive meals, travel plans, and celebrations. But they can also be a season when unexpected dental problems pop up, from a sudden toothache right before your big dinner to a cracked tooth after biting something hard.

Knowing what to watch for and how to act fast can make all the difference in protecting your smile and your comfort this holiday season.

Why Dental Emergencies Happen Over the Holidays

During the holiday season, people tend to:

•   Eat more hard and sticky foods like candy canes, nuts, toffee, and caramel
•   Snack frequently and stray from their usual diet
•   Experience stress, increasing the chance of accidental injuries
•   Ignore early symptoms of pain due to busy schedules

When a dental problem hits during the holidays, swift action matters. Left untreated, what starts as discomfort can become an infection or a much bigger issue requiring extensive treatment.
 

Common Holiday Dental Emergencies

1. 1. Toothaches
      A persistent or throbbing toothache can indicate infection, advanced decay, or a cracked tooth. Dental pain should never be ignored, especially if it worsens or is accompanied by swelling or fever.
      What to do: Rinse with warm salt water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed and call us immediately. Dental pain often requires urgent care to prevent further damage.
   2. Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth
      Holiday treats like hard candy, ice, or unpopped popcorn kernels can easily cause a cracked or chipped tooth emergency, especially if the tooth already has a weak spot.
      What to do: Rinse your mouth with room temperature water, and seek dental care as soon as possible.
   3. Knocked-Out Teeth
      Whether from a fall, sports injury, or even an accident in the kitchen, a knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is one of the most urgent dental issues.
      What to do: Handle the tooth by the crown only, gently rinse it if dirty, and keep it moist in milk, saliva or a tooth preservation solution. Then call us immediately. Success for saving the tooth depends on quick action.
   4. Lost Fillings or Crowns
      Holiday foods and temperature changes (like very hot drinks followed by cold desserts) can sometimes dislodge old restorations.
      What to do: You might feel sensitivity or pain where the restoration came out. Avoid chewing on that side and call our office. If you still have the restoration (crown, inlay or onlay), hold on to it, we can often fix or replace the restoration right away.
   5. Dental Abscess or Infection
      Swelling, severe pain, fever, facial tenderness, or a bad taste in the mouth may signal an infection. Dental infections can spread quickly and require urgent treatment.
      What to do: Take an OTC pain reliever and apply a cold compress to the area. Do not delay care. Call for emergency dental treatment immediately.

   How Blende Dental Group Can Help During the Holidays

   Dental emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours. And neither do we.

   24/7 On-Call Emergency Dental Care

   Blende Dental Group provides on-call emergency care every day of the year, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Same-day response is available for urgent situations.

   House Call Dentistry

   Can’t make it into the clinic? Blende Dental Group is the home of House Call Dentists. We can provide emergency care wherever you are. This is especially helpful for:

   •   Homebound patients
   •   Patients with special needs
   •   Seniors or medically complex individuals who might find travel difficult.

   Hospital & Specialized Care

   For more complex situations — like severe infections or trauma — our clinicians have experience working with hospital partners and can coordinate care to ensure you get the right treatment fast
    

   Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Dental Emergencies

   What qualifies as a holiday dental emergency?

   Severe tooth pain, swelling, knocked-out teeth, infections, broken restorations, or trauma are all considered holiday dental emergencies that require immediate care.

   Are emergency dentists open on bank holidays?

   Yes. Blende Dental Group offers emergency dental care during holidays, on weekends, and after hours to ensure urgent issues are treated without delay.
    

   Don’t Wait! Call Blende Dental Group at the First Sign of Trouble

   If pain, trauma, or a broken restoration strikes, early care makes treatment easier and outcomes better. Call us at 800-395-1152. We’re here to support your smile through the holidays and beyond.

   CALL 800-395-1152