How To Prevent Dental Emergencies?

Dental emergencies are typically the result of trauma to the internal structures of your oral cavity. Common dental emergencies include:

• Broken teeth
• Lost fillings
• Knocked-out teeth
• Abscessed teeth
• Jaw fractures

If you have a dental emergency, contact us immediately. We will get you in to see our emergency dentist as soon as possible.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is sudden, severe pain or trauma to the teeth or gums. In some cases, a dental emergency occurs after an accident, like a sports injury or car accident. Dental emergencies can involve damage to the teeth, gums, lips, or jaw.

What should I do if I have a Dental Emergency?

If you have a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is call our dental office. We will try to get you in to see us as quickly as possible, typically on the same day. If your emergency happens after hours, we still encourage you to call us, and we will call you back as soon as we are open.

How To Prevent Dental Emergencies?

• Regular dental exams and cleanings

Tooth decay and gum disease are among the biggest causes of dental emergencies. If left untreated, these dental issues can lead to discomfort and increased sensitivity. If you keep up with your six-month dental checkups, your dentist can catch signs of decay or gum disease early, helping you avoid costly, time-consuming, and painful dental emergencies.

• Maintain a healthy diet

A healthy diet plays a big role in your oral health. Certain foods can cause tooth decay if they are left on your teeth for too long. Avoid eating sugary foods like candy or soda. You should also avoid sticky foods like raisins or dried fruit. These foods can get stuck between your teeth, cause bacteria to form, and lead to tooth decay and cavities. 

• Wear a mouthguard when playing a sport

Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports is essential. Even non-contact sports like gymnastics and skating can result in oral injuries. Mouthguards protect the teeth, gums, and jaw from injuries. There are three types of mouthguards. The least expensive option is the “boil-and-bite” mouthguard. For a few dollars, you can boil the mouthguard and then bite down on it until it molds to your teeth. A “boil-and-bite” mouthguard is better than nothing, but a custom mouthguard offers better protection and retention.

• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy

You can prevent cracking a tooth or filling a cavity by avoiding chewing on hard candies, popcorn kernels, ice, and other hard foods. Hard foods can crack your enamel and weaken your tooth. Avoid biting your fingernails or chewing on pencils. These bad habits can damage your enamel and chip your teeth.

• Avoid using your teeth as tools (open packages, cut tape, etc.)

Using your teeth as a tool can lead to chips, fractures, and breaks. These issues require a restorative treatment, which can be expensive. Save your teeth and your money by using other tools to open packages and cut tape.

• Avoid grinding your teeth

Grinding your teeth at night is a serious problem. Not only can it result in painful headaches, but it can also wear down your teeth and cause them to become loose and fall out. So, learn why you might be grinding your teeth in the first place. If you’re stressed or anxious, it’s important to learn how to manage your stress. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist for a mouthguard you can wear while you sleep.

• Brush your teeth and floss regularly

One of the best ways to prevent a dental emergency is to keep your teeth clean. Bacterial infections and gum disease are two of the major causes of tooth decay. Brushing regularly and flossing are easy ways to remove plaque from your teeth. Plaque buildup and hardened tartar can cause tooth decay and irritate the gum tissue, which can lead to gum disease.

If you want to learn more about how to prevent dental emergencies, contact Dental Arts of Boston at (617) 266-0441 today to book an appointment with the Dentist Boston, MA. Our team can offer guidance and make product recommendations for your unique smile.