Dental Emergencies and the Holiday Season

As we head into the holiday season, we look forward to spending time with family and friends, enjoying a little time off and eating delicious food. The last thing on our minds is a dental emergency, yet the holiday season can be ripe for them because we tend to break out of our daily routines.

Family of 4 brushing teeth

Same Day Emergency Treatment

Dr. Padolsky and our caring staff make it a priority to handle dental emergencies. Call us immediately if you suspect that you or a family member has a dental emergency. Dr. Padolsky can treat your emergency the same day, even if it falls on a Saturday.

Five Tips for Avoiding a Dental Emergency

Although we cannot predict dental emergencies, here are a few precautions you can take to at least minimize the risk of having one.

  • Make a dental appointment before the holiday – if you or a family member is due for a cleaning or check-up, or you need to take care of some “little” thing you’ve been putting off like getting a cavity filled or a crown fixed, go ahead and get it done. Dental emergencies are often the result of an earlier unhandled dental situation.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene – while you may not want to bring your electric toothbrush to a holiday gathering, you should have a toothbrush and floss handy. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day can go a long way in preventing bigger problems.
  • Wear a mouthguard when playing sports – with more family holiday get-togethers and free time, you and the kids may end up outdoors. If possible, wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports like football. A mouthguard may help to diffuse an impact or at least minimize any damage that occurs.
  • Watch what you bite – while adults know better than to use their teeth as a tool for cracking nuts or opening bottles, children may not. It is also good to avoid biting down on things like hard candy or peanut brittle.
  • Water is your friend –  staying hydrated with water is easier to think about during warmer seasons, but it is equally important in the winter. According to the American Dental Association, water helps cleanse the teeth of food residue and dilutes the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Moreover, if you consume alcohol, you can avoid dry mouth by staying hydrated.

What to Do if You Have Dental Emergency

Should you find yourself with a dental emergency, call us right away. Dr. Padolsky has over 30 years of experience helping patients with dental emergencies. He and our friendly staff are standing by to help you.

Read tips on how to handle a dental emergency so that you know what you can do until you see the doctor.

To make an appointment, call 404-476-5504 or click here to request an appointment online.