By Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS – Newport Dental Arts, Newport Beach, CA
The holiday season in Newport Beach is filled with celebrations, travel, family gatherings, and busy schedules. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common times of year for dental emergencies. Cracked teeth, lost fillings, broken crowns, jaw pain, and sudden toothaches tend to spike in mid-December—often at the worst possible moment.
At Newport Dental Arts, we see it every year: patients who planned to “wait until after the holidays” suddenly need urgent care. The good news is that many dental emergencies are preventable with a little awareness and preparation. This guide explains the most common holiday dental emergencies and how to protect your smile so you can enjoy the season with confidence.
Why Dental Emergencies Increase During the Holidays
Dental emergencies don’t happen by accident alone—they’re often the result of stress, schedule changes, and seasonal habits.
During the holidays, patients are more likely to:
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Clench or grind their teeth due to stress
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Eat harder or stickier foods than usual
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Delay routine dental visits
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Travel without dental protection or supplies
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Ignore small symptoms that quickly worsen
When these factors combine, small dental issues can escalate quickly into painful emergencies.
The Most Common Holiday Dental Emergencies
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Hard foods like nuts, candy canes, brittle toffee, and even ice can crack teeth—especially if you already have weakened enamel, large fillings, or existing dental work.
Even hairline cracks can cause:
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Sudden pain when biting
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Sensitivity to hot or cold
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Pain that comes and goes unpredictably
Left untreated, cracks can deepen and lead to infection or tooth loss.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
Holiday treats that are sticky or chewy can pull loose older fillings or crowns. Once dental work comes off, the exposed tooth becomes highly sensitive and vulnerable to decay or fracture.
If a crown or filling feels loose, it’s important not to wait—what starts as a minor repair can turn into a major restoration.
Toothaches That Appear “Out of Nowhere”
Many holiday toothaches are actually the result of problems that were already developing:
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Deep decay
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Inflammation near a nerve
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Infection
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Cracks below the surface
Sugar, cold air, alcohol, and stress can all trigger pain that suddenly becomes impossible to ignore.
Jaw Pain, TMJ Issues & Teeth Grinding
Stress peaks during the holidays, and many patients unknowingly grind or clench their teeth—especially at night. This can lead to:
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Jaw pain or stiffness
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Headaches
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Ear discomfort
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Chipped teeth
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Worn enamel
Without protection, grinding can cause permanent damage in just a few weeks.
Gum Infections & Swelling
Changes in routine, skipped flossing, and increased sugar intake can irritate the gums. Swelling, bleeding, or tenderness can quickly turn into infection if bacteria build up beneath the gumline.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies During the Holidays
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Try to avoid:
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Hard candies
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Ice chewing
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Sticky desserts
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Nuts or shells
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Crunchy foods on already sensitive teeth
If something feels “off” when you bite, stop immediately and have it checked.
Wear a Night Guard if You Grind or Clench
If you already have a custom night guard, wear it consistently—especially during busy weeks. If you’ve been told you grind your teeth but never followed through, mid-December is not the time to delay.
A night guard can prevent:
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Cracked teeth
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Jaw pain
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Headaches
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Costly restorative work
Don’t Ignore Early Warning Signs
Call your dentist if you notice:
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Sensitivity that lingers
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Pain when biting
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A rough or sharp tooth edge
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Gum swelling or bleeding
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A loose crown or filling
Catching issues early is the easiest way to avoid emergency visits.
Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Even during travel and late nights:
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Brush twice daily
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Floss once per day
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Rinse with water after sugary foods or drinks
Consistency matters more during the holidays—not less.
Schedule a Pre-Holiday Dental Checkup
A December dental visit allows us to:
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Identify cracks or weak areas
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Secure loose restorations
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Address sensitivity
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Provide protective solutions
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Prevent emergencies before travel or gatherings
Many emergencies we see could have been avoided with a short preventive visit.
What to Do If a Dental Emergency Happens
If you experience a dental emergency:
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Do not ignore pain
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Avoid chewing on the affected side
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Rinse gently with warm water
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Call your dentist as soon as possible
Prompt care often means simpler, less invasive treatment and better outcomes.
Why Newport Beach Families Trust Newport Dental Arts
At Newport Dental Arts, Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS provides calm, compassionate care—especially when patients are anxious or in pain. Our approach focuses on:
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Conservative treatment
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Advanced digital diagnostics
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Patient comfort
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Clear communication
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Long-term oral health
We understand how disruptive dental emergencies can be during the holidays, and we do everything possible to help patients feel at ease.
The holidays should be memorable for the right reasons—not because of a dental emergency. By staying aware, protecting your teeth, and addressing small issues early, you can dramatically reduce your risk of unexpected dental problems this season.
If you’ve been putting off a visit or have concerns about sensitivity, grinding, or existing dental work, now is the time to take care of it. A little prevention goes a long way toward peace of mind.
Visit Newport Dental Arts in Newport Beach, CA
Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS
Newport Dental Arts | Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Newport Beach, CA
Address: 2382 SE Bristol St, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 752-1210
Website: https://newportdentalartsoc.com/