Dr Jana is a very caring person. She explains everything you need in your care plan with great detail and allows time for questions. I have been going to Oak Park Dental for 20 plus years and I trust Dr. Jana completely. She is trustworthy and is always up to date on her dental knowledge and schooling. I highly recommend and encourage anyone needing Dental Care to give Oak Park Dental a call.
The holiday season should be filled with joy and celebration — not unexpected trips to the dentist. At Oak Park Dental, we want to help you keep your holidays stress-free by avoiding common dental emergencies. With a little awareness and a few preventive tips, you can protect your smile from the most frequent holiday-related dental mishaps.
What Causes Holiday Dental Emergencies?
Many people are surprised by how quickly a dental issue can turn into a true emergency. Check out some of the most common causes we see this time of year.
Using Teeth as Tools
It might seem like a quick fix, but using your teeth to open packages, cut tags, or pop bottle caps can lead to serious problems — including chipped or cracked teeth. Your teeth aren’t designed to be tools, and misusing them can result in pain and costly repairs.
Pro tip: Keep scissors, bottle openers, and utility knives nearby to handle packaging safely.
Eating the Wrong Holiday Treats
Hard candies, popcorn kernels, and nuts in the shell are popular seasonal snacks — but biting down on them can damage your enamel or even break a tooth. Sticky or chewy foods like caramels can loosen fillings or crowns.
What to do:
- Let hard candies dissolve rather than biting them.
- Avoid chewing on ice or hard nuts.
- Take extra care with sticky desserts, especially if you’ve had dental work.
Slips and Falls
With icy sidewalks, crowded gatherings, and lively holiday games, accidents can happen. A fall can easily result in a cracked or knocked-out tooth, especially if you’re not paying attention.
Stay safe by:
- Wearing appropriate shoes outdoors
- Walking cautiously in slippery conditions
- Keeping your hands free to help break a fall when needed
How Legacy Hill Dentistry Can Help With Emergencies
Even with the best preparation, dental emergencies can still occur. If they do, our team at Oak Park Dental is ready to restore your smile with compassionate, expert care. We offer a full range of restorative services, including tooth-colored fillings for minor chips or decay and inlays or onlays for larger areas of damage.
With our advanced technology, you can get a dental crown to repair and protect a severely damaged tooth in just one visit. You won’t have to worry about wearing a temporary crown or coming back for a second appointment.
We’ll evaluate your situation and recommend the best treatment to relieve pain and restore your tooth’s strength and appearance.
Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season
Dental emergencies are never convenient — and especially not during the holidays. But with a few simple precautions, you can keep your smile safe all season long. If you do need urgent care or want to schedule a preventive visit before the festivities begin, Oak Park Dental is here for you.
Call us today at 608-351-0192 to schedule an appointment in Madison, WI — and have a happy, healthy holiday season!