Why Dental Emergencies Spike During the Holidays
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for families in Calgary. Between festive meals, travel plans, winter sports, and busy schedules, oral health often takes a back seat. Unfortunately, this is also the time when dental emergencies increase significantly.
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic in NE Calgary, I often see a noticeable rise in urgent cases during December and early January — broken teeth, severe toothaches, lost fillings, and infections that could have been prevented with early care.
This blog is designed to help Calgary families understand:
- Why holiday dental emergencies happen
- What qualifies as a true dental emergency
- How to prevent common issues
- What to do if pain or trauma occurs
My goal, as your family dentist, is not just to treat emergencies — but to help you avoid them altogether.
1. What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate professional attention to:
- Relieve severe pain
- Stop bleeding
- Save a tooth
- Prevent infection from spreading
True Dental Emergencies Include
- Severe, persistent tooth pain
- Swelling of the face or gums
- Dental abscess or pus discharge
- Knocked-out or loose tooth
- Broken or cracked tooth with pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Signs of infection (fever + oral pain)
If you are unsure, it is always safer to call an emergency dentist in NE Calgary rather than wait.
2. Why Do Dental Emergencies Increase During the Holidays?
A. Increased Sugar & Acid Exposure
Holiday treats, desserts, sweet drinks, and late-night snacking feed cavity-causing bacteria. Over time, this can trigger:
- Acute tooth pain
- Decay reaching the nerve
- Abscess formation
B. Hard Foods & Accidental Biting
Popular holiday foods — nuts, candy canes, frozen desserts — are common culprits behind:
- Cracked teeth
- Broken crowns
- Lost fillings
C. Winter Sports Injuries
Hockey, skating, skiing, and sledding increase the risk of:
- Dental trauma
- Knocked-out teeth
- Jaw injuries
Many of these injuries happen without mouthguards.
D. Delayed Dental Care
People often postpone care due to travel or busy schedules. Minor discomfort escalates into full emergencies when ignored.
3. The Most Common Holiday Dental Emergencies in Calgary
1. Severe Toothache
Often caused by:
- Deep cavities
- Infected pulp
- Cracked teeth
Pain that worsens at night or with temperature changes should never be ignored.
2. Broken or Chipped Teeth
These occur when biting hard foods or due to trauma. Even small cracks can expose nerves and allow bacteria to enter.
3. Lost Fillings or Crowns
Cold weather causes materials to contract slightly, increasing the risk of restorations loosening.
4. Dental Abscess
A serious infection characterized by:
- Swelling
- Pus
- Fever
- Throbbing pain
This is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.
5. Knocked-Out Tooth
Timing is critical. A tooth has the highest chance of being saved if treated within 30–60 minutes.
4. How to Prevent Holiday Dental Emergencies
A. Schedule Preventive Care Before the Holidays
A routine exam and cleaning can identify:
- Weak fillings
- Hairline cracks
- Early decay
Addressing these before December dramatically lowers emergency risk.
B. Avoid Using Teeth as Tools
Never use your teeth to open packages, crack nuts, or bite hard objects.
C. Choose Safer Holiday Treats
Opt for:
- Soft desserts
- Sugar-free treats
Limit sticky and hard candies.
D. Wear Mouthguards for Winter Sports
Custom mouthguards reduce dental trauma risk by up to 60%.
E. Maintain Consistent Oral Hygiene
Brush twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with water after sweet/sticky foods.
5. What to Do If a Dental Emergency Happens
Severe Tooth Pain
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Avoid chewing from that side
- Take over-the-counter pain relief
- Call your dentist immediately
Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Save broken pieces if possible
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Hold by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse gently if dirty
- Place in milk or saliva
- Seek immediate dental care
Swelling or Infection
- Apply a cold compress externally
- Do not attempt to drain
- Seek urgent dental attention
6. Emergency Dentistry During the Holidays in NE Calgary
One of the most stressful aspects of a dental emergency is not knowing where to go — especially during holidays.
At Jacksonport Dental Clinic, we encourage patients to contact us immediately if symptoms arise. Early intervention often means:
- Less invasive treatment
- Lower cost
- Better outcomes
Delaying treatment increases the risk of hospitalization, tooth loss, and systemic infection.
7. Cost & Insurance Considerations at Year-End
Many dental plans:
- Reset annually in January
- Do not roll over unused benefits
If you experience symptoms late in the year, addressing them promptly can help:
- Utilize remaining benefits
- Prevent more expensive procedures later
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is tooth pain always a dental emergency?
Not always — but pain lasting more than 24–48 hours should be evaluated.
Q2: Can I wait until after the holidays to see a dentist?
Waiting can turn a minor issue into a serious infection. Early care is always safer.
Q3: What happens if a dental infection spreads?
Untreated infections can spread to the jaw, sinuses, and bloodstream, becoming a medical emergency.
Q4: Are emergency dental treatments more expensive?
They can be, which is why prevention and early care are always recommended.
Q5: Should children see an emergency dentist for baby teeth injuries?
Yes. Trauma to baby teeth can affect developing permanent teeth.
9. Dr. Richa’s Advice for Calgary Families
“In my experience, most holiday dental emergencies are preventable. A simple checkup, smart food choices, and quick action at the first sign of pain can save families a lot of discomfort and stress. Never hesitate to reach out we’re here to help.”
— Dr. Richa Bhatnagar, DDS
Family Dentist, Jacksonport Dental Clinic, NE Calgary
