Holiday Dental Emergencies Are More Common Than You Think

The holidays are filled with joyful moments—but also plenty of dental hazards. From hard foods like nuts and candy canes to sports injuries during winter activities, emergencies tend to spike over the winter break. What makes it even more stressful is that many dental offices are closed or operating on limited hours.

Here’s the good news: Glenmore Park Dental offers support and resources to help you take the right steps during a dental emergency in Calgary, even over the holidays.

Knowing how to respond quickly can make a big difference in treatment outcomes and your overall comfort. 
 

Common Holiday Dental Emergencies

Below are some of the most frequent dental emergencies we see in our Calgary dental clinic during the holiday season:

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Whether it’s a fall on the ice or biting into a hard treat, cracked and fractured teeth can be painful and sensitive to cold air and liquids. Rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and contact us immediately.

Toothache or Infection

Persistent pain or swelling may indicate an infection or abscess. This can become serious quickly and should never be ignored. Avoid applying heat and call our team to assess the situation.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is knocked out, time is critical. Gently rinse it (without scrubbing), try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milk or saliva while heading to the clinic.

Lost Filling or Crown

A dislodged filling or crown can expose sensitive parts of the tooth and lead to pain or further damage. Avoid chewing on that side and contact us for an urgent appointment.

What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist

Here’s what you can do immediately to stabilize the situation:

• Control bleeding: Apply clean gauze and light pressure.
• Manage swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.
• Avoid aspirin directly on gums: It may cause burns—use approved pain relief instead.
• Preserve lost teeth or dental work: Bring any pieces with you in a sealed container.

Remember: If you are unsure whether something counts as a true emergency, err on the side of caution and reach out. We can help guide you on next steps or get you in for treatment.

How to Access Emergency Dental Care in Calgary

While our clinic observes statutory holidays, we offer emergency call-in options and flexible scheduling whenever possible. If you or your child experiences a dental emergency in Marda Loop or surrounding areas like Glenbrook or Lakeview, don’t wait—reach out to us directly.

Check out our Emergency Dental page for more on our process and how to contact us in urgent situations. 
 

Protect Your Smile This Holiday Season

Dental emergencies during the holidays can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Glenmore Park Dental, we’re here to help Calgary families navigate dental emergencies with compassion and expert care—even during the busiest time of year.

Contact us if you need emergency support or want to schedule a preventive visit before the holidays hit.