How to Find an Emergency Dentist Over Christmas (and What to Do If You Can’t)
If you’re in pain and searching for help over Christmas, you don’t want to scroll through an essay — you want clear steps. So let’s start there.
Need emergency dental care over Christmas? Start here
If you’re dealing with tooth pain, swelling, or a sudden dental problem, these are your best options — in order:
1. Call your own dental practice
Even if they’re closed, many practices have an emergency voicemail with instructions or an out-of-hours number. Always check this first.
2. Contact NHS 111 (England)
If you don’t have a dentist or can’t get hold of yours, NHS 111 can direct you to local emergency dental services. Be aware that availability can be limited over the holidays.
3. Look for private emergency clinics
Some private practices stay open specifically for emergencies over Christmas. Prices and treatment options vary — it’s okay to ask what’s included before booking.
4. Get dental advice before going anywhere
If you’re unsure how urgent your problem is, or whether it can wait, getting professional advice first can save you time, stress, and unnecessary cost.
This is exactly where Nova can help — more on that below.
What actually counts as a dental emergency?
Not every dental issue needs immediate treatment, but some absolutely do. You should seek urgent advice if you have:
Facial swelling, especially if it’s spreading
Severe or worsening tooth pain
Signs of infection (pus, bad taste, fever)
Trauma to the teeth or jaw
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored — even over Christmas.
Problems like mild sensitivity, a lost filling, or a chipped tooth can sometimes be managed short-term — but only with the right guidance.
Why Christmas makes dental care harder to access
Over the festive period, many practices close or run reduced hours. NHS emergency clinics are often oversubscribed, and private care can feel confusing or expensive without clear information.
That’s why so many people end up Googling:
“Emergency dentist open Christmas Day”
“Toothache and no dentist”
“Swollen gum over Christmas what do I do?”
The uncertainty is often more stressful than the pain itself.
What you can safely do at home (short term)
While you’re arranging care, these steps may help reduce discomfort:
Take pain relief as directed (never exceed doses)
Gently rinse with warm salt water if gums are sore or infected
Sleep with your head elevated to reduce throbbing
Avoid chewing on the painful side
Keep the area clean, but don’t probe it
Avoid applying heat to facial swelling — this can make infections worse.
It’s important to be clear: home remedies manage symptoms, not the cause. If pain keeps returning or swelling increases, you need professional input.
How Nova helps when dentists are hard to reach
Christmas is one of the times people find Nova most useful.
With Nova Smiles, you can get free guidance from a dentist online — without waiting days for an appointment or committing to treatment straight away.
Using Nova, you can:
Upload photos of the problem area
Describe your symptoms clearly
Get advice on what’s likely going on
Understand how urgent it really is
Be guided on what to do next — and what can safely wait
For many people, that clarity alone brings huge relief.
Zaeem created Nova because he sees how many people are left worrying or putting things off — especially during holidays — simply because access to dentistry is so limited. The aim isn’t to replace face-to-face care, but to help people make informed decisions sooner.
Don’t ignore warning signs over Christmas
Dental infections don’t pause for the holidays. Leaving things unchecked can turn a manageable issue into something far more serious by January.
If something feels off, it’s always better to ask.
Even if all you need is reassurance that it can wait a few days — or confirmation that it shouldn’t — having that guidance can make Christmas a lot less stressful.
