The holidays should be joyful, but they often come with hidden risks—especially for your teeth. For our friends and neighbors in Hinckley, the holidays are often when dental emergencies strike, whether it's from biting into a candy cane or slipping on icy steps during winter fun.

At Hendricks Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you prevent those emergencies—but if one happens, we’re also just a quick drive away with expert care, advanced technology, and emergency appointments ready when you need them.

The Top 3 Holiday Hazards

Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time—and the holiday season is full of hidden dangers that can lead to cracked teeth, dislodged fillings, or even knocked-out teeth.

Hard and Sticky Treats

That festive bowl of peppermints or caramel candies might be more harmful than you think. Hard candies can cause cracks or fractures, while sticky sweets like toffee can pull out crowns or loosen fillings.

Tip: Be extra careful with nuts, brittle, or chewy treats—especially if you’ve had prior dental work.

Using Teeth as Tools

In the rush of the season, it's easy to fall into the trap of using your teeth to rip open packages, cut tape, or crack nuts. This can quickly lead to a broken tooth or damaged dental work.

Holiday PSA: Leave the nutcracking to the proper tools—your teeth aren't designed for it!

Sports and Rough Play

Winter break means more time outside—and more opportunities for dental injuries. Whether it's a collision during a pickup hockey game or a fall while sledding, tooth trauma is common this time of year, especially for kids.

Handling a Dental Emergency: Hinckley Protocol

If a dental emergency strikes during the holidays, staying calm and acting fast can make a huge difference. Here’s what to do before you reach our office:

Toothache

• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Gently floss to remove any trapped food
• Avoid applying aspirin directly to the gums (it can cause burns)
• Call our office immediately if pain persists

Knocked-Out Tooth

• Find the tooth and handle it only by the crown, not the root
• Rinse it gently without scrubbing
• Place it in milk, a tooth preservation kit, or your saliva
• Get to our office within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it

Cracked or Chipped Tooth

• Rinse with warm water to clean the area
• Apply a cold compress on the face to reduce swelling
• Collect any broken fragments if possible

In any emergency, call Hendricks Family Dentistry immediately at (330) 225-1433.

Why Choose Our Brunswick Office Near Hinckley?

When you’re in the middle of a dental emergency, the last thing you want is a long or stressful drive. Thankfully, quality care is closer than you think.

Proximity and Accessibility

Our Brunswick office is located just a short drive from Hinckley, with quick local access via Center Road. We're easy to reach—especially in urgent situations—and our team is ready to help the moment you call.

Advanced Emergency Dental Care

Time matters during a dental emergency. That’s why we use advanced technology to quickly assess and treat your condition, including:

• 3D CT Scanning: Helps identify issues below the surface, such as cracked tooth roots or jaw damage.
• Emergency Dental Services: We reserve emergency appointment slots to ensure we can see you when it matters most.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Of course, the best dental emergency is the one that never happens. You can reduce your risk this holiday season with a few smart strategies:

• Schedule a year-end cleaning and exam to catch issues early
• Have your children wear mouthguards during sports and winter activities
• Avoid hard or sticky foods, especially if you’ve had fillings, crowns, or other dental work
• Don’t use your teeth as tools—keep scissors handy when opening gifts

Not sure if we’re the right place to turn to in a crisis? Read what other patients have said on our Reviews & Testimonials page and see how we’ve helped families like yours in real emergencies.

Don’t Face a Dental Emergency Alone This Holiday Season

Tooth pain, broken crowns, and unexpected injuries can strike at the worst times—but you’re never alone when you have Hendricks Family Dentistry nearby.

If you are in Hinckley or the surrounding areas and need urgent care, call us at (330) 225-1433 right now. You can also visit our Contact page to reach out directly.

We’ll help you get back to enjoying the season—pain-free and worry-free.