Everything was great! It was my son’s first dentist trip and Tabatha made it so comfortable for both of us! She did a great job explaining things to him and being quick yet thorough. Dr brannen spent a good amount of time with us explaining everything we needed to know. Great family atmosphere which is what I am used to at my previous dentist so I love that. We will definitely be going back.
The holidays are a time for celebration, laughter, and family traditions — not dental emergencies. Unfortunately, the festive season also brings a spike in dental damage. At Legacy Hill Dentistry, we want to help you keep your smile safe through all the fun and feasting. With just a few simple precautions, you can avoid dental injuries this time of year.
Common Holiday Dental Hazards & How to Avoid Them
1. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Whether it’s opening gift wrap, cutting plastic tags, or cracking bottle caps, using your teeth as a substitute for scissors or bottle openers is a quick way to end up in the dentist’s chair. Teeth are strong but not designed for these kinds of tasks. Doing so can result in cracked enamel, chipped teeth, or even a painful break.
What to do instead: Keep small scissors, box cutters, and proper bottle openers handy while unwrapping gifts or prepping for a party.
2. Hard Holiday Foods
Nuts in the shell, peppermint bark, and popcorn kernels may be seasonal favorites. However, they’re also common culprits when it comes to chipped or cracked teeth. Even hard candies can pose a risk if you bite down the wrong way.
Protect your teeth by:
- Avoiding biting down on hard foods — especially with your front teeth
- Letting hard candies dissolve rather than chewing them
- Watching out for unpopped popcorn kernels in snack bowls
3. Sticky or Chewy Treats
Caramels, toffee, and other sticky treats can pull on fillings, crowns, or even natural teeth. They may taste great, but they can do serious damage — especially if you’ve had previous dental work.
Be cautious with:
- Chewy holiday desserts
- Sticky candies that can loosen dental restorations
- Anything that pulls or sticks to your teeth longer than a few seconds
4. Unexpected Accidents During Winter Activities
Slippery driveways and energetic holiday games can lead to falls, which often result in dental trauma. A knocked-out or cracked tooth is never fun, and it’s often avoidable with the right precautions.
Stay safe by:
- Wearing proper footwear in icy conditions
- Taking extra care on stairs or slippery sidewalks
- Using a custom mouthguard if you’re participating in winter sports or rough play
If an Accident Happens, We’re Here to Help
Despite our best efforts, accidents can still occur. If you find yourself with a cracked, chipped, or damaged tooth, Legacy Hill Dentistry offers a range of restorative treatments to repair your smile:
- Tooth-colored fillings for small areas of decay or minor fractures
- Inlays and onlays for more extensive repairs that don’t require a full crown
- Dental crowns to fully restore damaged or weakened teeth
We’ll carefully evaluate your situation and recommend the right solution to restore both function and appearance — so you can get back to enjoying the season with confidence.
Keeping your smile intact is just one more way to enjoy the holidays stress-free. By being mindful of how you treat your teeth and what you eat, you can avoid dental injuries. If you have any concerns or need quick dental attention in Smyrna, TN, Legacy Hill Dentistry is just a call away. Contact us at 615-510-6996 if you need help!