One wrong bite this holiday can lead to disaster, but a cracked tooth isn’t guaranteed. You can safely snack all season long without worry.
Today, this guide has all the answers to your dental hygiene questions:
- Why does the number of emergencies rise over the holidays?
- How can you handle a dental emergency on a holiday budget?
- What can you do to protect your teeth?
Find this out and more below.
Page Contents:
The Rate of Dental Emergencies Spike with the Festivities
Who doesn’t nibble on their favorite treats at big parties and intimate get-togethers?
Non-stop snacking isn’t the only thing that puts you at greater risk of a suffering a break this season.
- The holidays may upset your brushing routine at a time when you’re eating more sugar. This can weaken your teeth long-term.
- Some of the season’s most common sweets are hard candies, toffees, gingerbread, and nuts. While your teeth are strong, they may be no match for these tough textures.
- Using your teeth to open bottles or shell nuts can damage your teeth can result in disaster.
- Don’t overlook how the stress of the holidays can interfere with your dental health. All that stress can cause you to grind your teeth, which could lead to breakage.
What to Do if You Crack a Tooth During the Festivities?
First of all, don’t panic. While a cracked tooth is an emergency, it’s a common one that dentists treat all the time. They can help you repair your teeth quickly, so you can get back to celebrating with those you love.
But what if you’re stressed out over money? Even if you’re insured, an emergency trip to the dentist is expensive thanks to rising deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Whatever you do, don’t delay treatment over the cost, as this decision can worsen your problem and increase your bills later.
If you don’t have room on your credit card after shopping for gifts, consider getting a loan online. Searching for one is as easy as typing this into your browser: how to get a loan near you. Thousands of results will populate in the time it takes you to blink, but you only have to look at the first five or so options.
Compare these results to a few prepared comparisons on online direct lenders and banks from sites like Finder or Credit Karma. This preliminary step can help you find a loan that works for your finances. It can also help you find an online lender that protects your privacy through enterprise security platforms.
You might be able to combine an online loan with a dentist’s financing plan for even more flexibility. Ask your dentist if they offer flexible payment plans that let you pay portions of your bill over time.
How to Avoid a Dental Emergency This Season
These simple preventative tips can protect your chompers this holiday — and beyond!
- Don’t bite hard candies.
- Avoid sticky sweets that get stuck in your teeth.
- Chew mindfully.
- Drink more water to rinse sugar away from your teeth.
- Keep on top of your hygiene routine, brushing at least two times a day.
- Limit how often you snack, waiting to eat at scheduled mealtimes.
- Invest in a mouthguard if you suspect you grind your teeth at night.
- Avoid clenching your teeth during the day.
Bottom Line:
You don’t have to give up all your favorite sweets to avoid a break; just be careful to avoid an emergency!
