December, the month of festivities, family gatherings and... dental emergencies? No one wants to spend the vacation season at the dentist. However, excess sugar, stress and cold weather can weaken your teeth and increase the risk of oral problems. In this article, you'll find expert advice and practical strategies for avoiding emergency dental care in December, and making the most of the festive season.
Why is December a good month for dental emergencies?
Several factors contribute to the increase in dental emergencies in December.
Increased sugar consumption
Chocolates, cookies, dried fruit cakes, gingerbread, Yule logs... sweet temptations are everywhere in December. Sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for cavitiesThis increases the risk of dental pain, dental abscesses and fractures.
Stress and bruxism
Organizing parties or vacations, buying gifts, travelling, the end-of-year review... Accumulated stress aggravates the bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), which can lead to jaw pain, broken teeth or tooth sensitivity.
Neglect of oral hygiene
With busy schedules and festivities, it's sometimes tempting to neglect your oral hygiene routine. Insufficient brushing and forgotten flossing encourage plaque build-up and increase the risk of dental problems.
Difficulty getting an appointment
Many dental clinics have reduced hours during the vacation season, which can make it difficult to get an appointment. Some dental practices close completely during the holiday season. In an emergency, you'll need to find an on-call dentist, which usually increases the cost of care.
Tips for avoiding treatmentemergency visit to the dentist
No one is immune from a dental emergency in Geneva or elsewhere in Switzerland. However, there are ways to minimize the risks.
Maintain rigorous oral hygiene
Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Don't forget to brush your tongue too, to remove bacteria.
Limit sugar consumption
Enjoy the holidays, but in moderation! Try to limit your intake of sweets and sugary drinks. Focus on healthy, nutrient-rich foods.
Managing stress
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing to manage stress and avoid bruxism.
Wearing an occlusal splint
If you suffer from bruxism, wear an occlusal splint at night to protect your teeth from wear and fracture.
Hydration
Drink plenty of waterThis encourages the production of saliva, which helps neutralize acids and protect teeth.
Avoid hard, sticky foods
Nuts, caramels, nougat... These foods can damage your teeth and gums, including crowns, fillings, dentures and braces.
Preventive consultation
Make an appointment with your dentist for a thorough examination and cleaning before the holidays. He can detect and treat potential problems before they become emergencies.
Helvident services for effective prevention
Helvident dental clinics and centers can help you maintain your oral health and avoid emergency care.
- Dental examinations and scaling : for early detection of problems and professional plaque removal.
- Treatment of cavities and infections: to avoid complications and preserve your natural teeth.
- Custom-made occlusal splints: to protect your teeth from bruxism.
- Personalized oral hygiene advice: to tailor your care routine to your specific needs.
- Emergency dental consultation (if necessary) : although prevention is the best strategy, Helvident takes care of the treatment of dental emergencies for quick relief in the event of a problem.
The last word
By adopting good oral hygiene, limiting overindulgence and consulting your dentist regularly, you minimize the risk of needing emergency dental care in December. Make the most of the festive season!
Don't hesitate to contact Helvident clinics to book an appointment and take advantage of our preventive and dental care services. We're here to help you keep your smile looking its best all year round.
Helvident welcomes you to its three clinics in French-speaking Switzerland:
- Clinique St-Sulpice/Lausanne : Chemin des Mémises 2, 1025 St-Sulpice.
- Clinique Fribourg : Avenue de Beauregard 10, 1700 Fribourg.
- Clinique La Tour/Aigle : Route Industrielle 8, 1860 Aigle.
