The holidays in Marietta, GA are filled with joy, travel plans, family meals, and celebrations. But they’re also one of the most common times for a holiday dental emergency to strike. From cracked teeth on candy canes to sudden sensitivity or a crown coming loose during travel, it only takes one dental issue to derail your holiday fun.
At Hart Family Dentistry, we see more dental emergencies in December than almost any other month. Here’s how Marietta families can stay ahead of problems — and enjoy the season without unexpected dental stress.
Why Holiday Dental Emergencies Happen More Often
Several seasonal habits make a holiday dental emergency more likely:
- Hard holiday treats (brittle, nuts, candy canes) can crack or chip teeth
- Sticky sweets can pull off crowns, fillings, or veneers
- Cold weather triggers tooth sensitivity
- Busy schedules mean people ignore small issues
- Travel stress increases teeth grinding
- Flying can worsen pressure-related tooth pain
Small dental issues you’ve been “putting off” all year tend to flare up during the busiest and most inconvenient time — the holidays.
Traveling for the Holidays? Be Prepared.
Marietta families travel more than most Georgia communities, and whether you’re flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson or driving up I-75, dental problems often surface during travel.
If you’re planning a trip, remember:
- Altitude changes on flights can increase pain from cavities or cracked fillings
- Dry cabin air worsens dry mouth
- Holiday foods on the go may be hard or sticky
- Stress can intensify clenching and grinding
The best way to avoid a holiday dental emergency on vacation is simple:
👉 Schedule a pre-travel appointment at Hart Family Dentistry.
A quick visit can catch small issues before they become painful problems away from home.
What to Do If a Dental Emergency Happens on Your Trip
Even with preparation, accidents happen. If you run into a holiday dental emergency while out of town:
- Rinse gently with warm water
- Use a cold compress if there’s swelling
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as needed
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Save any broken pieces of tooth or restoration
Then contact a dentist as soon as possible — ideally your home office in Marietta, so they can guide you. Hart Family Dentistry can help talk you through next steps, even if you’re far away.
Is It Sinus Pain or a Dental Problem?
Marietta residents often deal with sinus pressure in winter, which can feel like tooth pain. If you notice:
- Pressure in upper teeth
- Pain when bending forward
- Sensitivity that changes with temperature
It might not be a holiday dental emergency, but sinus-related discomfort. A pre-travel appointment can help determine what’s dental and what’s not — saving you from worrying about the wrong issue while traveling.
Foods Most Likely to Cause a Holiday Dental Emergency
A few seasonal favorites are known troublemakers:
- Peanut brittle
- Hard candy
- Popcorn kernels
- Caramel
- Sticky toffee
- Chewy chocolate bars
- Mixed nuts
A single bite can cause a break, chip, or lost filling. If you’re already due for a crown or have a weakened tooth, these foods increase the chance of a holiday dental emergency.
A pre-holiday checkup can identify teeth at risk — and prevent that surprise crack at the holiday party.
Grinding and Clenching Get Worse in December
The holidays bring stress, travel, irregular sleep, and cold weather — all of which increase jaw tension. Grinding can cause:
- Morning headaches
- Soreness
- Cracks
- Worn enamel
A nightguard, bite check, or simple adjustment from Hart Family Dentistry can prevent stress-related holiday dental emergency problems before they begin.
Why Having a Trusted Marietta Dentist Matters
When a holiday dental emergency strikes, treatment depends on what happened:
- A cracked tooth may need bonding or a crown
- A lost filling may need replacement
- An infection requires immediate attention
- A broken veneer or chip can often be temporarily stabilized
Seeing a dentist who knows your history, X-rays, and previous dental work leads to faster, more accurate treatment. That’s why Marietta residents benefit from staying connected to one home dental office — especially during the holidays.
Start the Season Stress-Free With a Pre-Holiday Dental Visit
Most holiday dental emergencies are avoidable. A pre-travel appointment at Hart Family Dentistry can:
- Catch early cavities
- Identify loose fillings or vulnerable teeth
- Address sensitivity
- Prevent sudden tooth pain while traveling
- Give you peace of mind for the season
Don’t Let a Holiday Dental Emergency Disrupt Your Plans
Your holidays should be filled with joy — not dental pain. Whether you’re traveling, hosting, or staying local in Marietta, a little preparation goes a long way.
Schedule your pre-holiday visit with Hart Family Dentistry today by calling (770) 926-8371 or booking your appointment online. Protect your smile and enjoy a stress-free season.