Paediatric Dental Emergencies During the Christmas Holiday Season
The Christmas holiday season is a magical time filled with fun activities, but it also brings a higher chance of dental emergencies for children. Exciting winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating can lead to slips, falls, and bumps that may result in dental injuries. Unboxing and playing with new toys and gadgets can also pose unexpected risks. To make matters more challenging, many dental clinics close or operate on limited hours during this festive period. This can leave parents feeling anxious and unsure about what to do if their child faces a dental emergency. Knowing how to handle these urgent situations can help prevent panic and protect your child’s smile.
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental Injuries from Winter Sports: Many families will be spending their Christmas Holidays in the mountains. Activities like skiing, snowboarding, but also ice skating increase the risk of dental trauma, including tooth fractures, dislodgements, and avulsions. Children should wear protective gear, such as mouthguards, to reduce the likelihood of injury.
Toothache and Dental Pain: Toothache is one of the most common paediatric dental emergencies during the holidays. It can result from untreated cavities, dental abscesses, or food lodged between teeth. Pain management and temporary home remedies, like rinsing with warm salt water, can provide relief until a dentist is available.
Avulsed (Knocked-Out) Adult Teeth: If a permanent tooth is accidentally knocked out, it’s important to act fast. Stay calm and locate the tooth, being careful to handle it by the crown (the white, visible part) and avoid touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with clean water, but do not scrub or use soap. If you feel confident, try to gently reinsert the tooth back into its socket, ensuring it’s facing the correct way. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk, saline solution, or a commercial tooth preservation product (available at some pharmacies). Time is critical, so seek emergency dental care as soon as possible — ideally within 30 to 60 minutes — to give your child the best chance of saving their tooth.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Children can sometimes fracture their teeth when biting into hard holiday treats, like candy canes, nuts, or even hard caramels. These treats are festive and delicious, but their hardness can catch little teeth off guard! A cracked tooth may not always cause immediate pain, which can make it easy to overlook, but even if there’s no discomfort, it’s still important to seek dental attention as soon as possible. Left untreated, a cracked tooth can lead to infection or further damage. A visit to the dentist when back at home can help prevent complications and ensure the tooth stays healthy! Always remind kids to be mindful of what they're chewing on, especially during the holidays when treats are abundant.
Baby Teeth Injuries During the Holidays: During the Christmas holidays, accidents can happen, and baby teeth may get injured from falls or bites on hard treats. If your child injures a baby tooth, first stay calm and comfort them. If there's bleeding, gently apply clean gauze or a cloth to the area to stop it. If the tooth is knocked out, keep it moist, but don’t try to reinsert it. For a chipped or cracked tooth, rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Regardless of the injury, it's important to contact your paediatric dentist to assess the damage and prevent complications.
Parental Guidance and First Aid Tips
Control Bleeding with Care: If your child has a cut or injury to the lips, gums, or soft tissues, gently press a clean piece of gauze or a soft cloth against the bleeding area. Use firm but gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. If it doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, it may be time to seek professional help.
Handle Knocked-Out Teeth Properly: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, try to remain calm. Carefully pick it up by the crown (the white part) and avoid touching the root. If possible, reinsert it gently into the socket. If that’s too difficult, store the tooth in milk or saline solution to keep it moist. Then, get your child to a dentist as quickly as possible — every minute counts!
Manage Toothache with Simple Remedies: Toothaches can strike at the most inconvenient times. If your child complains of tooth pain, check for any food stuck between their teeth and have them rinse with warm salt water. Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease discomfort.
Need Help During the Holidays?
If a dental emergency occurs during the Christmas holiday season, please reach out to us via email. To help us assess the situation more effectively, attach any clear photographs you can take of your child's affected tooth. We’re here to provide support and guidance to ensure your child’s smile stays bright and healthy. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!