Christmas means joy, family and, of course, big feasts. However, statistics show that dental emergencies rise considerably at this time of year. Between seafood, nuts and the famous “hard turrón”, our teeth face some serious challenges.
There is nothing worse than a sharp toothache just before Christmas Eve dinner, or a broken tooth halfway through Christmas lunch. At Acosta Cubero Dental Clinic, in Torre del Mar, Vélez-Málaga, we want you to be prepared. Prevention is always best, but accidents happen. That’s why we’ve put together this practical guide so you know exactly how to react if you or someone in your family has a dental mishap in Vélez-Málaga. 👇
1. Broken tooth: watch out for seafood and turrón! 🦀🍫
It’s a Christmas classic. You bite into a crab leg or a piece of Alicante turrón a little too enthusiastically and… crack! You feel something break. If there has also been a knock or a fall, have a look at how to act after dental trauma.
- What should you do?
- Stay calm. Look for the broken piece of tooth if you can and keep it (sometimes it can be bonded back on).
- Rinse gently with warm water to clean the area.
- Apply cold to your cheek if there is swelling (never heat, as it makes any infection worse).
- See your dentist: It’s vital that you contact Acosta Cubero Dental Clinic as soon as possible. Even if it doesn’t hurt, a broken tooth may have an exposed nerve or sharp edges that can cut your tongue. The sooner we repair it, the better the chances of saving the tooth.
2. Sudden, severe toothache 😖
Sometimes the stress of the season or a change in diet wakes up a dormant cavity or an infection.
- What should you do?
- Use dental floss very carefully to make sure there’s no food trapped between your teeth and pressing on them (sometimes that’s where the pain comes from).
- Take a painkiller or anti-inflammatory you normally use (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen), but never place an aspirin directly on the gum, as it can cause a serious chemical burn to the tissue.
- Call us straight away. Pain is a sign that something isn’t right and needs professional treatment. You’ll find more guidance in our tips for dealing with toothache.
3. A filling or crown has come out 👑
Sticky foods such as sweets, toffees or soft turrón can play tricks on you and loosen old restorations.
- What should you do?
- Keep the crown if it has come off.
- If the tooth is sensitive, you can temporarily place a small piece of orthodontic wax, or even sugar-free chewing gum, over the gap to protect it from air and food until you can come and see us in Torre del Mar.
- Don’t try to stick it back yourself with household glue (it’s very dangerous and toxic!). Come to the clinic so we can cement it properly.
4. Orthodontic emergencies: loose brackets or poking wires 😬
For patients wearing braces, Christmas meals can be a minefield.
- What should you do?
- If a wire is poking you: Try gently pushing it into a more comfortable position with a pencil eraser, or cover it with a small ball of orthodontic wax (or cotton wool if you don’t have wax to hand).
- If a bracket comes loose: If it isn’t bothering you, leave it until your next appointment. If it’s uncomfortable or hanging, cover it with wax. Don’t try to cut it off yourself.
5. Never use your teeth as tools! 🛠️
This is the best preventive advice we can give you for the festive season. Please don’t use your teeth to:
- Open bottles.
- Crack nuts or seafood.
- Cut gift tags or sticky tape.
Your teeth are for smiling and eating, not scissors or bottle openers. One unlucky move can cause a serious fracture that needs root canal treatment or even an extraction.
Dental emergencies at Christmas: we’re here for you in Vélez-Málaga 🤝
We know a trip to the dentist is the last thing you fancy at Christmas, but ignoring an emergency can turn a minor discomfort into a serious problem that spoils your holidays.
At Acosta Cubero Dental Clinic, led by Dr Inmaculada Acosta, we’re committed to your wellbeing. If you’re in pain or have an accident, call us or book your appointment. We’ll do everything we can to see you, ease your discomfort and get you back to celebrating with your family as soon as possible.
From all of us in Torre del Mar, we wish you a safe, happy and toothache-free Christmas! 🎄✨
