Holiday calendars fill up fast—school concerts, road trips, big meals, backyard football. With all that activity, a dental surprise can pop up at the worst moment. When it does, a calm plan keeps discomfort down and buys time until you can see a professional, helping your crew enjoy the season without cutting celebrations short.

Your First Five Minutes

Start clean: wash or sanitize hands. Rinse gently with lukewarm water or saline—skip alcohol rinses and anything hot. If there’s bleeding, press sterile gauze against the area for 10–15 minutes. 

Apply a cold compress outside the cheek in short intervals. Never place aspirin on gums or teeth; it can burn tissues and won’t fix the cause of pain. If you can, snap a quick photo of the issue to show your dentist.

Chipped or Cracked Tooth

Collect any fragments in a small, clean container with a few drops of saline or milk. Cover a sharp edge with orthodontic wax or a tiny piece of sugar-free gum so it doesn’t rub the tongue or cheek. Stick to soft foods and avoid biting on the injured side. Do not use super glue or household adhesives.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. Briefly rinse with water if dirty—no scrubbing. Try to place it back into the socket and gently bite on gauze to hold it. If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep it moist in milk, saline, or a tooth preservation kit and get urgent care. Do not reinsert baby teeth.

Lost Filling or Crown

For a lost filling, protect the area with temporary dental cement from a pharmacy or a small piece of sugar-free gum. If a crown comes off, test-fit it; if it seats comfortably, secure it with temporary cement. Avoid sticky, hard, or very hot/cold foods and don’t chew on that side.

Toothache, Swelling, or Infection Signs

Floss gently to remove trapped food and rinse with warm saltwater. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help when used as directed. Red flags—facial swelling, fever, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or pain that wakes you at night—warrant prompt professional attention.

Braces or Aligner Snags

Cover a poking wire with orthodontic wax; don’t snip it. If a bracket loosens, leave it in place and call your dental team. For a cracked aligner, switch to the previous tray and follow your provider’s guidance.

Keep Celebrations on Track

Quick, sensible steps turn panic into a plan—so your family can enjoy the season with comfort and confidence. If trouble strikes, contact us for guidance and a prompt visit. We’ll help you get back to the festivities with a healthy, happy smile. Call Gentle Smiles of Livonia at 734-875-8783 for an appointment in Livonia, MI. You can also schedule online.