The holidays are a time for celebration, not for dealing with the discomfort of a toothache. Yet, toothaches are all too common during the holidays, which turn a joyous occasion into a frustrating one. Between sugary desserts, cold-weather sensitivity, and the stress of the season, toothaches can creep up when you least expect them. The good news is that you can manage or even avoid toothaches entirely with some practical tips and a little preparation. Below, we’ll look into how to keep your oral health in check this holiday season.
Common Causes of Holiday Toothaches
The last thing you want when celebrating over the holidays is a toothache. It’s a time to indulge in your favorite foods and snacks, but sugary treats like candy canes, caramel, and chocolate can put stress on your teeth. Indulging too much in these sweet treats can lead to discomfort and even pain, depending on pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing dental issues are another concern, with cavities and gum disease prone to flare up due to stress or eating habits during the holidays.
Cold weather can also cause toothaches. Wintry winds and low temperatures, common throughout most of the country in the winter, can worsen tooth sensitivity. The cold can be an issue when combined with weakened enamel or receding gums. If you’re in a warmer climate, you should still watch out for cold drinks.
The stress and indulgence of the holiday season can make existing dental issues worse. Cavities, gum disease, or loose fillings can become unmanageable when eating sugary foods, stressing out over the holidays, or forgetting to do your normal oral care routine.
Quick At-Home Remedies for Immediate Relief
For minor toothaches, there are a few steps you can take. Start by rinsing your mouth with salt water, which can reduce inflammation and soothe the gums. Salt is a natural disinfectant that can eliminate harmful bacteria, meaning it can also help with a potential infection. You can prepare a salt rinse quickly and easily by gently mixing a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water.
Using a cold compress is another way to deal with inflammation. If there are no cold packs around, you can make one from household items. Wrap a clean cloth around a bag of frozen vegetables and hold it against the cheek where your toothache is for about 15 minutes. If you can’t find a bag of frozen veggies, you can also wrap a cloth around a Ziploc bag full of ice.
While helpful in many ways, a salt rinse can’t help manage pain. For that, you might consider over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can temporarily relieve pain; just follow the recommended dosage. OTC pain meds can’t fix the underlying issue, so you should seek treatment if the pain persists.
When To Seek Emergency Dental Services
No amount of home remedies or over-the-counter medication can help if there’s a serious dental issue — you need professional dental help. Going to the dentist during the holidays is not ideal, but an emergency dental appointment is unavoidable if you’re experiencing persistent pain. You should also see the dentist for an emergency dental appointment if you experience swelling in your gums or face or if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or pus.
Untreated dental infections can spread, leading to more serious complications like abscesses or systemic infections. Not only is this dangerous for your health, but ignoring the problem could cost you a fortune down the road, even with insurance. It’s best to nip it in the bud before it affects your health or your finances.
Finding Emergency Dentists Over the Holidays
Only some dental offices are open during the holidays. Options may be limited during this time, so search the internet and make a few calls before finding an emergency dentist. Some dental offices will refer you elsewhere during the holidays since they’re closed. Many dentists have on-call services or partnerships with emergency clinics, which can help with urgent dental issues. If you do manage to secure an emergency dental appointment, make sure to bring your ID, insurance information, and a list of symptoms — this will speed up the process.
Preventative Tips To Avoid Holiday Toothaches
Maintaining good oral hygiene by flossing after every meal and brushing in the morning and before bed is the best way to prevent holiday toothaches. You should stick to your dental hygiene routine if you’re traveling for the holidays, especially if you plan on indulging in sweets and soft drinks. Here are some additional tips to help you avoid holiday toothaches.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods: Enjoy holiday treats in moderation and drink water afterward to help wash away sugars and acids that can harm enamel.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and rinse: Strengthen enamel with fluoride products to create a protective barrier against the wear and tear of holiday indulgences.
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals: This helps stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses your mouth and neutralizes acids that can cause decay.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools: Resist the temptation to open packaging, crack nuts, or tear tape with your teeth. These activities can lead to chips or fractures.
- Schedule a pre-holiday dental checkup: If possible, visit your dentist before the holiday season to address any potential issues early and avoid emergencies.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain a healthy saliva flow, which protects against dryness and decay, especially when eating sticky or sugary foods.
Emergency Dental Services in Goshe, Angola, and Warsaw, Indiana
A toothache doesn’t have to ruin your holiday celebrations. With emergency dental services, you can be back before the holiday dinner is served. If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Northern Indiana, contact us today. Aegis Dental Group and Angola Dental Center is a leading dental health provider in Goshen, Angola, and Warsaw, Indiana.