What Should I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency Over the Holidays?

The holidays are full of joy, family gatherings, and festive treats — but they’re also a time when dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly. Between busy schedules, travel, and holiday meals, accidents and tooth pain can happen when you least expect them. At Cherokee Street Dental in Kennesaw, GA, we’re here to help you navigate these stressful moments and get your smile back on track as quickly as possible.

Common Dental Emergencies During the Holidays

The mix of hard candies, sticky sweets, and seasonal foods can take a toll on your teeth. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we see during the holiday season:

• Cracked or chipped teeth from biting down on nuts, candy canes, or hard foods.
• Toothaches or infections caused by untreated cavities or gum problems.
• Lost fillings or crowns that come loose while eating sticky desserts.
• Knocked-out teeth from slips, sports injuries, or accidents.
• Broken dentures or dental appliances, especially during travel.

A study by the American Dental Association found that nearly 1 in 6 Americans experience a dental emergency each year — and many occur during holidays when regular dental offices are closed.

What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency

Knowing what to do in the first few moments of a dental emergency can make a big difference in saving a tooth or preventing infection.

1. For a Knocked-Out Tooth

• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root.
• Rinse it gently with water (do not scrub).
• Try to place it back in the socket if possible.

If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva and call our office immediately. Time is critical — a tooth has the best chance of being saved if treated within 30 minutes to one hour.

2. For a Cracked or Broken Tooth

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Avoid chewing on that side until a dentist can evaluate it.

3. For Tooth Pain or Infection

• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce bacteria.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (avoid aspirin directly on the gums).
• If swelling occurs, call us right away — it could be a sign of infection.

4. For Lost Fillings or Crowns

• Use a small amount of dental wax or temporary dental cement (available at most drugstores) to cover the area.
• Avoid sticky or hard foods until we can replace it.

When to Go to the ER

While most dental emergencies should be handled by a dentist, some situations require immediate medical attention. Head to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

• Severe bleeding that won’t stop
• Facial swelling or infection spreading to the neck or eye area
• Jaw fractures or dislocation
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

For all other dental issues, Cherokee Street Dental can provide urgent care and pain relief, even during the busy holiday season.

How Cherokee Street Dental Can Help

At Cherokee Street Dental, we know dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time — especially during the holidays. That’s why we make every effort to see emergency patients the same day whenever possible. Our modern dental practice, conveniently located near downtown Kennesaw and just minutes from I-75, is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and technology to handle urgent dental situations quickly and comfortably.

We proudly serve patients across Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta, and Cobb County, offering compassionate and efficient care for the whole family. Whether it’s a broken tooth, sudden pain, or a lost crown, our experienced team will assess the problem, relieve discomfort, and restore your smile so you can get back to enjoying the season.

Tips for Preventing Holiday Dental Emergencies

A little caution can go a long way toward avoiding dental mishaps:

• Don’t use your teeth to open bottles, packages, or ribbons.
• Avoid chewing hard candies, ice, and unpopped popcorn kernels.
• Stay hydrated — water helps protect your teeth from sugar and acid buildup.
• Keep a small dental first aid kit when traveling (with gauze, pain relievers, and dental wax).
• Maintain your regular oral hygiene routine, even when traveling or celebrating.

We’re Here When You Need Us

If you find yourself with a dental emergency in Kennesaw, GA, during the holidays, don’t wait in pain. Call Cherokee Street Dental, and our team will do everything possible to see you promptly. We believe no one should spend the holidays dealing with dental discomfort — and we’re here to make sure your smile stays bright, healthy, and pain-free all season long.