Dental emergencies, like a broken tooth or a painful toothache, can happen without warning. These situations can be stressful and may require quick treatment. While accidents do happen, many dental emergencies can be prevented if you follow some basic guidelines.
Knowing how to avoid these issues is important, but it’s also good to know where to find an emergency dentist near you in case of an unexpected problem. Here are some useful tips to help you protect your teeth and avoid common dental emergencies.
Regular Dental Checkups Are Key
One of the easiest ways to prevent dental emergencies is to visit your dentist regularly. During a checkup, the dentist can find small problems like cavities or weak spots before they get worse. Regular checkups also allow your dentist to clean your teeth, removing any plaque or tartar buildup that could lead to decay or infection.
By scheduling dental visits every six months, you can:
- Catch cavities early before they become more serious.
- Get a professional cleaning to remove plaque that brushing might miss.
- Learn ways to improve your at-home dental care routine.
These regular visits help you avoid the need for emergency dental care later.
Follow Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Taking care of your teeth every day is one of the best ways to avoid dental emergencies. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once daily, and using mouthwash will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. These habits can stop problems like tooth decay and gum infections, which are common causes of dental emergencies.
A good oral hygiene routine includes:
- Brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride to protect your teeth.
- Flossing daily to clean between your teeth where a brush can’t reach.
- Rinsing with mouthwash to help kill bacteria.
Following these steps will lower the chances of needing urgent dental care due to infections or tooth damage.
Use a Mouthguard for Sports and Physical Activities
For instance, whenever you engage in contact sports such as football, basketball, or soccer, a mouth guard plays the role of protecting your teeth in case of an impact. Oral injuries that may culminate in dental emergencies can be a result of a sports activity, including a fall. A mouth guard can greatly assist in decreasing the predisposition of broken or knocked-out teeth.
Wearing a mouthguard can:
- Prevent chipped or knocked-out teeth.
- Protect your lips, cheeks, and tongue from injury.
- Reduce the risk of jaw fractures.
A walk-in dentist can help you get a custom-fitted mouthguard that offers better protection than a store-bought one.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Many people use their teeth to open bottles, tear open packages, or chew on hard objects like ice or pens. These habits can lead to chipped or broken teeth, which could require an emergency visit to the dentist. It’s important to remember that your teeth are meant for chewing food only.
To protect your teeth:
- Use scissors or proper tools to open packages.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or popcorn kernels.
- Be careful with hard foods, and don’t bite into them too forcefully.
By avoiding these harmful habits, you lower the risk of needing emergency dental care.
Take Care of Small Issues Early
Sometimes, people ignore small dental problems, like mild tooth pain or a chipped tooth. However, these small issues can get worse over time and lead to bigger problems that require urgent care. A small cavity, for example, can turn into a painful infection if it isn’t treated quickly.
You should visit your dentist if you notice:
- Mild tooth pain or sensitivity.
- Small cracks or chips in your teeth.
- Gums that are swollen, red, or bleeding.
Handling small dental problems early will prevent them from turning into bigger emergencies.
Take Action Now to Protect Your Teeth
Dental emergencies are unpredictable, but many of them can be prevented by taking simple steps like regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and using a mouthguard for sports. At Keele Crosstown Dental, we are committed to helping you keep your teeth healthy and strong. If you’re searching for a trusted dentist in York, our experienced team is ready to provide the care you need.
Contact Keele Crosstown Dental today to schedule your next appointment. Protect your smile and avoid future dental emergencies!