Top Tips to Avoid a Dental Emergency

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Top Tips to Avoid a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies are never fun. Whether you’ve had a fall, been in an accident, or are suddenly having an intense toothache, dental emergencies can take many forms and require professional treatment to fix.

While avoiding a dental emergency isn’t always possible, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your chances of experiencing a sudden, painful problem with your teeth or gums.

Here are our top tips for avoiding a dental emergency!

Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Strong

Teeth that are weak are more likely to experience chips and fractures that can constitute a dental emergency. Keeping your teeth healthy and strong can prevent dental emergencies. This means brushing and flossing every day, as well as visiting your dentist regularly [1].

Your dentist not only thoroughly cleans your teeth to remove bacteria and plaque that can cause disease, but they can also identify any issues with your smile before they have a chance to weaken teeth.

For example, cavities are often asymptomatic until they progress to the point that you have a severe toothache or a tooth infection. Your dentist can identify cavities before they have a chance to become an emergency!

Wear a Mouthguard During Contact Sports

Wearing a mouthguard during sports is one of the best things you can do to protect your teeth and avoid a dental emergency. It’s especially important to wear a mouthguard during impact, contact, and collision sports—and this doesn’t just mean kids [2]! Adults should wear mouthguards during these sports too, which could include:

  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Baseball
  • Wrestling
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Lacrosse
  • Karate

People who have orthodontic appliances or dental restorations should especially wear mouthguards, but anyone participating in these sports should wear one to avoid having to make an unexpected trip to the emergency room or the dentist’s office!

Never Ignore Pain or Sensitivity

You may have mild tooth pain that doesn’t seem like an emergency, but when left untreated, it can become severe. If you’re experiencing any type of pain or sensitivity in your oral cavity, it’s best to get it evaluated now before it gets worse. You could have a cavity, a tooth infection, or even a broken dental restoration that needs professional attention. By getting the problem addressed now, you can avoid an inconvenient dental emergency.

Exercise Caution When Eating Hard Foods

Accidents happen with teeth, and many of them revolve around hard foods that can damage teeth. Chewing on ice is a harmful practice that can damage teeth, but so can hard or sticky candies or even nuts [3]. Popcorn, fruit or olive pits, bones, and even hard breads can all harm teeth.

When eating foods that can be potentially dangerous to teeth, always use caution, and avoid chewing on ice completely. Should you accidentally crack or chip a tooth due to one of these foods, don’t wait to see your dentist—getting the issue evaluated now can prevent a dental emergency later on.

Keep Your Teeth Safe and Healthy!

Protecting your teeth isn’t always about wearing a mouthguard or visiting your dentist—daily brushing and flossing can keep your teeth safe and healthy to prevent a dental emergency. If you’re experiencing pain, bleeding, inflammation, or even a temperature as the result of a problem with your teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to your experienced dentist!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/fun-teeth-facts-part-2
2. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/9-Foods-That-Damage-Your-
Teeth

Summary
Top Tips to Avoid a Dental Emergency
Article Name
Top Tips to Avoid a Dental Emergency
Description
While avoiding a dental emergency isn’t always possible, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your chances of experiencing a sudden, painful problem with your teeth or gums.
Author
Laguna Pavilion Dental