Avoiding Dental Emergencies – Tips for The Holiday Season
The year is almost done and dusted, and we’re all looking forward to settling down and spending time with friends and family. The festive season is a joyful time and there is plenty of fun to look forward to, but the last thing anyone wants to experience is a dental emergency. To help make your holiday season joyous and stress free, we will be sharing five tips for avoiding dental emergencies.
5 Tips for Avoiding Dental Emergencies These Holidays
1. Book Now for Dental Work
With only a week to go until Christmas, now is the time to have any outstanding dental work seen to. If you’ve got a niggling toothache, pain in the mouth or a cavity that requires filling please don’t hesitate to contact iSmile Dentistry today. Getting on top of your dental concerns now will help to avoid severe pain or infection during the festive season and spoiling your Christmas break.
2. Watch What You Eat
As dentists, we often see cases of chipped and fractured teeth over the holidays. With many people enjoying sugary treats and foods, they aren’t used to, it is important to be careful when eating festive delights such as candy canes, olives, cherries and even fruit cake. If you know that you have sensitive or damaged teeth, it might be best to avoid these foods altogether. When trying new foods, make sure that you take your time and understand any dangers which may be present (pips, sticky toffee/caramel, popcorn, hard candies, sweet drinks etc.). Not only can they damage teeth, but they are also a rich sugar source for bacteria. When the bacteria feed on these sugars they produce acid, which may damage enamel and contribute to tooth decay development .
3. Avoid Opening Bottles or Cracking Nuts with Teeth
Whether it’s a bottle of soft drink, a crisp lager or cracking a hard-shelled nut, you should never use your teeth to open them. This is one of the most common ways to chip or break teeth over the holidays. Ask the host for a bottle opener or nutcracker and you can keep your smile looking great.
4. Wear a Mouthguard During Sport
Many families enjoy a game of backyard cricket, tossing a football or playing a game of basketball with friends and family after lunch. If you intend on playing any competitive games, always make sure that you wear a mouthguard and proper protective gear to prevent any dental injuries.
5. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine
With so many events and activities to prepare for, it’s easy to forget about brushing and flossing – but this could lead to dental problems. Daily brushing and flossing should be part of your daily routine if you want to keep a healthy smile for life. Try to make sure that you stay well hydrated, limit sugar intake and dedicate time during the mornings and evenings for proper oral hygiene.
iSmile Dentistry – Holiday Opening Hours
We hope you found the above tips helpful, and that you and your family enjoy a happy holiday season and prosperous new year. Please note that iSmile Dentistry will be closed from 24 Dec 2021 – 9 Jan 2021, and we will resume operation on 10 Jan 2021.
To book a dental appointment, please contact us today on 02 9030 4310. We’re your local dentist in St Leonards, and we look forward to seeing you soon.