Dental emergencies can be painful, inconvenient, and often require immediate professional attention. The good news is that many dental emergencies can be prevented with proper dental care and protection.
What are the top ways to prevent a dental emergency? Here are a few tips to help you reduce your risk of unexpected dental issues.
Maintain a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
An oral hygiene routine is the foundation of good dental health. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily helps remove plaque buildup and reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and post-procedure complications [1].
Tooth decay and gum disease can weaken your teeth and cause painful gum abscesses, so by keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you reduce the likelihood of experiencing a dental emergency due to pain or unexpected tooth loss.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. During these visits, your dentist can detect potential issues early on and address them before they become dental emergencies.
By having a professional examination and cleaning every six months, you can stay on top of any developing problems and receive preventive care such as fluoride treatments and tartar removal that can strengthen your teeth.
Wear Protective Gear During Physical Activities
Accidents happen, particularly during sports or physical activities. To protect your teeth from potential trauma or injury, it’s crucial to wear appropriate protective gear, such as mouthguards [2].
Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist offer the best protection and ensure a comfortable fit. Whether you’re playing contact sports or engaging in recreational activities, wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of dental emergencies such as broken or knocked-out teeth.
Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth as tools, such as opening packages or tearing tape, can lead to chipped or fractured teeth. It’s important to remember that your teeth are designed for chewing food and not as multi-purpose tools. By breaking this habit and using the proper tools for various tasks, you can prevent unnecessary dental emergencies such as chipped and broken teeth or gum lacerations.
Exercise Caution When Eating Hard or Sticky Foods
Chewing on hard objects like ice cubes, popcorn kernels, or hard candies can cause dental fractures or damage existing dental restorations [3]. Avoiding these habits and practicing mindful eating can help prevent dental emergencies.
It’s important to be cautious when consuming sticky or chewy foods, as they can dislodge dental fillings or crowns. These include foods such as gummy candies, tough meats, popcorn, and hard breads or crackers.
Address Dental Issues Promptly
If you notice any dental issues, such as toothaches, sensitivity, or signs of gum disease, it’s essential to address them promptly. Ignoring the symptoms and delaying treatment can worsen the condition, potentially leading to a dental emergency.
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment and discuss any concerns you may have. Doing so may prevent an untimely dental emergency such as a lost filling, damaged restoration, or unexpected pain and sensitivity.
You Can Prevent Dental Emergencies
By following these top preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of dental emergencies and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to maintaining excellent oral health, and it can also save you an unexpected trip to your dentist!
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589664/
2. https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-
health-topics/athletic-mouth-protectors-mouthguards
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies
