It’s the time of the year when everyone is Irish, celebrating St Patrick’s Day on March 17. However, this day also leads to dental emergencies.

According to CNBC, Emergency visits to the dentist increase by 64% after St Patrick's Day!

Common emergencies and possible symptoms

St. Patrick’s Day is notorious for its drinking, so there’s often a higher chance of people having issues with their dental health or teeth on this particular holiday. Here are a few common dental emergencies that may happen when people celebrate in honor of Saint Patrick.

- Toothaches are very common when people have consumed too much alcohol the night before. They can experience sharp pain, especially when they’re chewing food or trying to move their jaw. Because a lot of St. Patty’s Day traditions involve biting into food like corn on the cob, candy apples, and other sweet treats, toothaches are especially likely to happen during the festivities. Be sure to take note of any unusual symptoms and get to your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your teeth.

- Broken or lost teeth are another common problem that can happen after a night of heavy partying. This is can be especially serious if they lose a tooth close to the front of their mouth because the tooth can make it more difficult to eat and speak properly.

- Another potential issue that may occur is a broken denture. Some people may accidentally drop their dentures while celebrating, or even break them if they’re knocking back too many drinks. If your dentures are damaged in any way, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible so they don’t continue causing you issues when you wear them.

Overall, if you’re experiencing something out of the ordinary with your oral health, the best thing you can do is give us a call so we can get you in for an emergency appointment right away!

We can help you schedule your emergency visit and get you back on the road to oral health in no time. If you’ve had anything happen in the past that you’ve been putting off fixing, now’s the perfect time to come in and get the treatment you need. Take the first step and schedule your appointment with us by giving us a call today.

Why might my dental health be affected by St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick’s Day involves a lot of celebrating and drinking, which can mean an increased risk of several oral health issues. From dry mouth to tooth damage, there are several potential problems that can arise. At your dental office in [city], we want to share some tips on how you can reduce your risk for these issues.

Dry mouth can lead to serious oral health problems, such as tooth decay or bad breath. Drinking alcohol causes dehydration, which can cause dry mouth. Not being able to produce enough saliva means that you can’t wash away food particles from your mouth. Bacteria then feed on these sugars and create an acid that attacks your teeth. The result is enamel erosion or even cavities. Here are some tips to prevent dry mouth this St. Patrick’s Day:

- Drink plenty of water throughout the day so your body stays hydrated.

- Avoid sugary beverages such as soda or beer.

- Chew sugar-free gum after eating a meal to stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth.

- Limit the amount of time you spend drinking alcoholic beverages. Alternate between water or another non-alcoholic beverage with your alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks also tend to contain high amounts of sugar that can increase your risk of tooth decay.

- If you’re taking medications that cause dry mouth, ask your doctor about alternatives.

An increased consumption of alcohol can also lead to an increased risk for certain oral health issues. It can cause tooth sensitivity, receding gums, and even tooth loss. Here are some ways to avoid alcohol’s effects on your oral health:

- Stick to one drink per hour, which is the equivalent of two drinks in a six-hour period.

- Opt for light-colored beers like Coors Light over dark-colored ones like Guinness Stout. Darker colored beers have additional ingredients that can cause more

What to do if I have a dental emergency on St. Patrick's Day

Don’t panic! If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us right away at 972-258-6462, and we’ll see you as soon as we can. We’re here to help!

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About Smiles of Irving:

Dr. Saili Rekhi is a dentist serving patients in Irving. At Smiles of Irving, we care for our patients like family and work to create a welcoming environment where every patient feels safe, comfortable, and respected while receiving the best dental care around. We offer the full spectrum of general and cosmetic dental services as well as sedation dentistry, dental implants, clear aligners, and much more. We truly care about each of our patients, and our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve. If you’re looking for a new dentist, give us a call today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Saili Rekhi! Or visit us online at www.smilesofirving.dental.