Why Dental Problems Spike During Holidays (And How to Avoid Them)
At Emergency & Walk-In Dentist Cardiff, we see a significant increase in dental emergencies every holiday season. Between festive treats, travel stress, and changed routines, your teeth face unique risks. Here’s why holiday dental emergencies happen and how to protect your smile while still enjoying the celebrations.
5 Reasons Dental Emergencies Increase During Holidays
1. Sugar Overload from Festive Treats
Holiday sweets create the perfect storm for dental problems:
- Constant snacking on cookies, candies, and desserts
- Sticky treats that cling to teeth for hours
- Alcohol dries out mouth, reducing protective saliva
This can lead to sudden toothaches when hidden cavities reach nerves
2. Using Teeth as Tools
Common holiday accidents we see:
- Cracking nuts with teeth
- Opening bottles or packages with teeth
- Biting hard candies or ice cubes
These often result in chipped or broken teeth requiring urgent care
3. Stress-Related Teeth Grinding
Holiday stress manifests in your mouth:
- Increased clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Leads to cracked teeth and jaw pain
- May dislodge old fillings or crowns
Consider a custom night guard if you wake with jaw soreness
4. Delayed Dental Visits
People often postpone care until after holidays:
- Minor issues become major emergencies
- Travel plans interfere with regular checkups
- Dental offices may have limited hours
5. Alcohol-Related Dental Injuries
Festive drinking leads to accidents:
- Increased falls and facial impacts
- Tooth loss from accidents
- Delayed treatment due to intoxication
See our knocked-out tooth guide for emergency steps
Holiday Dental Survival Guide
Prevention Tips:
- Schedule a pre-holiday dental checkup
- Pack travel-sized floss and toothpaste
- Choose cheese over sweets – it neutralizes acid
- Stay hydrated to maintain saliva flow
Emergency Preparedness:
- Save our emergency number in your phone
- Know basic dental first aid
- Have clove oil on hand for toothache pain
Holiday Dental Emergency?
Our Cardiff dentists are available during holidays when you need urgent care most.
Book Urgent AppointmentHoliday Dental Care FAQs
Q: What should I do if a crown comes off during holidays?
A: Keep the crown safe and avoid chewing on that side. Use temporary dental cement from pharmacies and schedule emergency repair.
Q: How can I prevent toothaches while traveling?
A> Pack a dental emergency kit with pain relievers, temporary filling material, and our clinic’s contact information.
