Don't Use Your Teeth As Tools: Galligan Villa Launches Holiday Warning Campaign Against December Too

(MENAFN- Market Press Release) December 8, 2025 1:48 am - Drs. Galligan & Villa Dental Studio warn Staten Island residents about the seasonal spike in chipped and fractured teeth caused by using teeth to open packages, crack nuts, or pop bottle caps during the holidays.

Every December, dental offices across the country see a dramatic surge in cracked, chipped, and fractured teeth-often the direct result of people using their teeth as makeshift tools during holiday festivities. To address this preventable issue, Drs. Galligan & Villa Dental Studio in Staten Island has launched a timely awareness campaign titled“Don't Use Your Teeth as Tools.” The campaign aims to educate the community on the risks of using teeth to crack nuts, open bottle caps, remove tags, or tear through tightly taped gift packages.

The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and often-unexpected dental emergencies. From last-minute gift wrapping to opening party beverages, many individuals rely on their teeth for tasks never intended for them. According to the team at Drs. Galligan & Villa Dental Studio, this seasonal trend is one of the leading causes behind the spike in dental emergency cases in Staten Island each December.

Crushing nutshells, prying open stubborn plastic packaging, tearing tape, or using teeth as scissors may feel convenient in the moment, but these habits place intense pressure on the enamel. Even healthy teeth can fracture when exposed to sudden force or inappropriate stress. A small crack can quickly escalate into heightened sensitivity, severe pain, and the need for emergency dental treatment-dampening holiday celebrations and leading to costly procedures.

Dr. Thomas Galligan, founder of the practice, has witnessed the consequences firsthand. Each year, the dental studio treats numerous patients who arrive with broken crowns, chipped front teeth, or fractured molars caused by attempting to crack hard nuts or open bottles with their teeth. Many of these patients express regret, acknowledging that the injury happened within seconds but resulted in days of discomfort and urgent dental intervention.

The“Don't Use Your Teeth as Tools” campaign emphasizes prevention, offering simple reminders that could save residents from holiday disruptions. Common culprits include walnuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts, all of which require nutcrackers-not teeth-to open. The studio also warns against biting through tough shipping tape, ribbons, and plastic packaging. Even the tradition of cracking nuts by hand and giving them a quick“final break” with the teeth can lead to unexpected enamel fractures.

In addition to raising awareness, Drs. Galligan & Villa Dental Studio encourages Staten Island residents to prepare for the season with proper tools: scissors, bottle openers, nutcrackers, and package cutters. The campaign also highlights the importance of seeking immediate care if a dental injury occurs, as delaying treatment can worsen the condition or lead to infection.

With decades of combined experience in handling emergency cases, the dental studio remains a trusted resource for fast, compassionate, and expert dental emergency care. The practice is committed not only to treating injuries but also to helping the community avoid them altogether-ensuring families can enjoy their celebrations without dental setbacks.

Residents experiencing sudden tooth pain, fractures, or oral injuries during the holidays can reach Drs. Galligan & Villa Dental Studio in Staten Island.

By spreading awareness through this seasonal campaign, the dental studio hopes to reduce preventable injuries and promote safer habits throughout the festive season. After all, teeth are designed for smiling, speaking, and eating-not for opening bottles or tearing tape.

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