What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency Over the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for family, food, and festivities—but it’s also a time when dental emergencies are surprisingly common. With Thanksgiving dinners, sweet treats, and packed schedules, it’s all too easy to crack a tooth on a pecan pie, lose a filling during dinner, or wake up with unexpected tooth pain. At Duluth Dental Studio, we’re here to help you navigate those stressful moments and get back to enjoying the holidays.

If you’re in Duluth, GA or the surrounding Gwinnett County area, here’s what to do when a dental emergency strikes—and how to know when it’s time to give us a call.

Why Dental Emergencies Happen More During the Holidays

It’s not just your imagination—dental emergencies spike around the holidays. According to the American Dental Association, holiday breaks are one of the busiest times for urgent dental care. Why?

• Hard or sticky holiday foods (like nuts, brittle, or caramel) can damage teeth.
• Cold weather can trigger tooth sensitivity or pain in already-compromised teeth.
• Increased travel and altered routines often cause people to delay care.
• Many dental offices close for extended periods, limiting access to care.

That’s why at Duluth Dental Studio, we make every effort to accommodate urgent dental needs, even during the busiest times of the year.

Common Holiday Dental Emergencies—and What to Do

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common holiday-related dental issues and how to handle them:

1. Chipped or Broken Tooth

Biting into a hard candy cane or nut shell can crack or chip your tooth.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• If there’s bleeding, apply gauze and pressure.
• Save any broken pieces if possible.

Call us immediately—we’ll assess the damage and may recommend bonding, a crown, or other repair.

2. Lost Filling or Crown

Sticky desserts or hard bread can pull out existing dental work.

What to do:

• Clean the area gently.
• Use dental cement (available at most drugstores) to cover the spot temporarily.
• Avoid chewing on that side.

Contact us for a same-day or next-available appointment.

3. Toothache or Sudden Pain

Holiday travel or skipping your routine dental hygiene can make an underlying issue flare up.

What to do:

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Call our office to evaluate the cause—it could be decay, infection, or a dental abscess.

4. Knocked-Out Tooth

A fall, accident, or injury during holiday activities can lead to a dislodged tooth.

What to do (act fast!):

• Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root).
• Rinse gently if dirty, but don’t scrub.
• Try to reinsert it into the socket or place it in milk.

Get to us within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

When to Call Duluth Dental Studio

Don’t wait until your holiday is ruined by discomfort. Call us immediately if:

• You’re in pain
• A tooth is broken, loose, or missing
• You notice swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection
• You’ve lost a filling, crown, or dental appliance

Our team is proud to serve Duluth and the greater Gwinnett County area, and we know how important it is to receive fast, compassionate care during stressful times. If your emergency happens after hours, leave a message or follow the instructions on our voicemail for urgent care support.

Stay Prepared This Holiday Season

To avoid dental emergencies:

• Avoid chewing hard foods with vulnerable teeth.
• Keep up with brushing and flossing—even while traveling.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools (to open packages, crack nuts, etc.).

Get that nagging tooth checked before it becomes a holiday emergency!

Trust Duluth Dental Studio for Holiday Emergency Dental Care

At Duluth Dental Studio, we combine advanced dental care with a personal touch. Whether it’s a broken tooth or a sudden ache, we’ll treat your emergency promptly and help you get back to enjoying the holidays with peace of mind and a healthy smile.

Call us today to schedule a visit or learn more about our emergency dental services in Duluth, GA. We’re here when you need us most—during the holidays and all year round.