Fes­tive Fill­ings: How to Avoid Den­tal Dam­age Dur­ing the Par­ty Season

We’re also sharing some top tips for what to do if you’re facing a dental emergency, so you won’t feel like you’re tackling the issue alone this Christmas.

Common dental problems at Christmas

It’s a time of excess and indulgence, but this can also lead to accidents and dental issues that you might not face the rest of the year. With so much going on, it’s also common for people to ignore dental issues for longer, which can make the problem much worse. Here are some of the most common dental issues and injuries we see around this time of year:

Gum disease issues

If you suffer from gum disease, this issue can become worse around Christmas due to a number of factors. First, you’re more likely to be indulging in sweet treats that can feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to inflammation. Second, you’re more likely to forget to brush your teeth, which can further aggravate the issue.

Increased sensitivity

You might have sensitive teeth all year round, but the issue might not bother you until you start enjoying sweet treats, cold drinks, hot mulled wine or being outside in the cold. Sensitivity can indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, so if you notice this around the festive season, make sure you book an appointment with your dentist to discuss the issue.

Trips and falls

It’s not uncommon for individuals to have a little too much to drink and take a tumble. This can lead to knocked out teeth, chips, cuts to the inside of the mouth and lost bridges, crowns or dentures. These should be treated as an emergency, as you might not be aware of the extent of the damage, and you could have cracked tooth roots that will pave the way for painful infections in the future.

Chips and lost fillings

Certain foods that we typically only enjoy at Christmas can be a nightmare for our teeth. Examples include hard or chewy caramels that can chip teeth and dental restorations like veneers, and get stuck to fillings or crowns. Another example would be hard peanut brittle, crusty bread and nuts. People are also more likely to use their teeth to open packages or to tear sellotape, which can damage teeth and veneers.

Acid erosion and dental staining

Some of our favourite festive beverages are very high in sugar, or contain staining particles. This includes sweet treats like Baileys and festive favourites like mulled wine. If you aren’t careful with your drinks, you could face acid erosion that is made worse by the presence of staining particles. If you’ve recently had your teeth whitened, you’ll want to avoid this fate.

How to avoid dental damage at Christmas

A few small changes can help you to keep your teeth safe at Christmas, and if the worst should happen, an emergency plan will help you to get help fast.

• Don’t use your teeth to open packages or tear sellotape, always reach for the scissors.

• If you’re going to enjoy sweet treats, make sure you have them with your main meal so your body can produce enough saliva to handle the extra sugar.

• Alternate between alcoholic drinks and water to protect against acid erosion and stains.

• Pair your mulled wine with a small piece of cheese to help protect against stains.

• If you have a bump or a fall, make sure you visit the dentist as soon as possible to make sure there isn’t any hidden damage.

• Stick to your oral care routine as much as possible, and make sure you’re still brushing and flossing as you usually would, even if you are travelling.

• If you experience any dental pain during the Christmas period, don’t delay seeing a dentist, as this could make the problem worse in the long term.

By following these simple steps, you can take care of your teeth during the festive season and beyond.