Don’t Let a Toothache Ruin Your Holiday Fun

It’s never a good time for a toothache, but having one around the holidays is especially miserable. Here’s what you can do to prevent or treat toothaches before the festivities begin. Keep reading to learn more.

A painful tooth is enough to taint otherwise treasured memories, especially around special occasions. When it comes to the holiday season, sweets, hot apple cider, and cold weather can all make a toothache feel more intense.

The holidays are approaching, so it’s a great time to address your toothache, even if it currently seems mild. Our team at Hendricks Dental Specialists in Brentwood, Tennessee, specializes in diagnosing and treating toothaches and can help you prevent them, too.

What causes toothaches?

There are a few reasons why one or more of your teeth might feel painful or sensitive.

Some causes are mild and can be resolved without dental treatment. For example, you might have a piece of popcorn stuck between your teeth, which could cause discomfort. In kids and teens, a new tooth erupting can cause mouth aching.

Other causes need treatment to resolve pain and prevent further dental complications. Your toothache could arise from:

Cavities or tooth decay
Gum disease
Inflamed or infected pulp (soft tissue) inside your tooth
Tooth abscess
A damaged filling
Worn or damaged enamel, which can come from bruxism (teeth grinding)

If the cause isn’t immediately apparent, a quick digital X-ray can give our team a more complete view of your teeth and jaw to reveal the cause.

How we treat toothaches

If an oral health issue is causing a toothache, treating it soon can set you up for a more enjoyable holiday season. Of course, the treatment you receive depends on the underlying cause of your aching tooth.

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove the inflamed or infected pulp from the inside of a highly sensitive or painful tooth. A crown is attached to the treated tooth to protect it after your root canal.

Fillings

We can treat a cavity with a filling. We remove any damaged or decayed parts of the tooth first, then apply liquid composite resin in layers to fill in the area.

Gum therapy

Gum therapy can help alleviate toothaches due to gum infections or gum disease.

Preventing toothaches around the holidays

Here is a list of easy steps you can take to prevent toothaches around the holidays.

Preventing toothaches requires a consistent oral hygiene routine, preventive care from our team, and simple habit changes that make toothaches less likely. We recommend:

Brushing and flossing twice a day
Scheduling a professional teeth cleaning
Limiting sugary holiday treats
Brushing your teeth after eating
Avoiding extra crunchy holiday snacks that could damage your teeth
Drinking plenty of water

If you grind your teeth when you sleep, especially during high-stress times like the holidays, consider getting a night guard to protect your teeth from bruxism-related damage.

We can fit you for a custom night guard during your next visit if your teeth show signs of damage from grinding.

Get in touch

Our team at Hendricks Dental Specialists can help you prepare for a toothache-free holiday. Call the office to schedule your visit, or request an appointment online.