No one likes to deal with dental emergencies. They’re often sudden, painful, and inconvenient – not to mention potentially expensive. While some emergencies can’t be avoided, many can be prevented with smart daily habits and a little extra care. Whether you want to avoid toothaches, broken teeth, or other urgent issues, here are some must-know tips to help you steer clear of dental disasters.
Stick to a Strong Oral Hygiene Routine
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: good oral hygiene is your first line of defense against dental emergencies. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections that can lead to sudden pain or swelling.
Don’t forget regular dental checkups, either. Your dentist can catch early signs of trouble, like small cracks, decay, or loose fillings, before they become emergencies.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
It’s tempting to rip open a package or pop off a bottle cap with your teeth, especially when you’re in a rush. But using your teeth this way is a fast track to chips, cracks, or even lost teeth.
Your teeth aren’t tools. Keep scissors, bottle openers, and other gadgets within easy reach so you’re not tempted to use your smile for the job.
Protect Your Teeth During Sports and Activities
If you play contact sports or engage in high-impact activities like skateboarding or mountain biking, always wear a mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist offers the best protection, but even over-the-counter options are better than nothing.
This simple step can prevent chipped or knocked-out teeth, lip injuries, and jaw fractures, saving you from a painful emergency room visit.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects
Crunching ice, chewing on pens, or biting into hard candies may seem harmless, but they can easily crack or break a tooth. Even healthy teeth aren’t designed to handle that kind of pressure repeatedly.
If you love chewing, try sugar-free gum instead – it satisfies the urge without damaging your teeth.
Address Dental Problems Early
If you feel a twinge of pain, sensitivity, or notice swelling or bleeding, don’t ignore it. Many people delay treatment for minor issues, only to find themselves in an emergency situation later on.
Seeing your dentist at the first sign of trouble can prevent a small cavity from turning into a root canal, or a loose crown from becoming a dental emergency.
Be Careful with Food Choices
Be mindful of what you eat, especially when you have crowns, fillings, braces, or sensitive teeth. Avoid sticky, chewy, or excessively hard foods that could dislodge dental work or cause damage.
Cut tougher foods into smaller bites, and chew slowly to avoid accidentally biting down too hard.
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, but many are avoidable with a little extra awareness and care. By following these must-know tips, you’ll reduce your risk and keep your smile healthy and protected. Prevention is always easier and cheaper than emergency treatment, so take the time to care for your teeth before they demand urgent attention!
About the Practice
Are you experiencing a dental emergency? Here at Falmouth Dentistry, we’re a practice that’s known for providing safe, comfortable care for our patients. We put you first, and we’ll see you as quickly as possible if you find yourself in a painful situation. With state-of-the-art dental technology, you’ll receive the best care available. From the moment a person calls to schedule an appointment to the online-based patient paperwork to the by-your-side assistance we offer during appointments, the level of care we provide is truly exceptional. Don’t delay – schedule your visit now online or call (207) 878-8600.