Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the worst possible time—during an extended vacation, before a big event, or even late at night when you’re trying to unwind! But while not every situation can be prevented, many common dental emergencies are avoidable with a little awareness and the right habits. Here are a few must-know tips to keep in mind that can often help keep your smile safe.
1. Don’t Skip Your Routine Checkups
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to catch small problems before they become painful emergencies. Cavities, cracked fillings, infections, and gum disease often start quietly and without obvious symptoms. Professional dental exams and cleanings can prevent these issues, so long as you remain consistent and go every six months.
2. Practice Strong Daily Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which are two of the most common causes of dental emergencies. Simply daily habits can prevent severe cavities, gum infections and recession, and even total tooth loss. You should also regularly self-examine your smile for concerning symptoms. It only takes a few minutes each day!
3. If You Play Sports, Wear a Mouthguard
If you participate in contact sports or rigorous physical activities, a properly-fitted mouthguard can be essential. Sports injuries are actually one of the leading causes of chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth. A mouthguard offers a huge amount of protection for your teeth, since they’re designed to redistribute the force of impact, which lessens the chances of serious injury.
4. Never Use Your Teeth as Tools
Your teeth are for eating, speaking, and smiling—and you shouldn’t be using them in any other way! Opening packages, tearing plastic wrappers, twisting open bottlecaps, or holding objects with your teeth can easily lead to a dental emergency. It’s also smart to avoid biting directly into hard objects, like ice cubes or your fingernails, as this might lead to a chipped or cracked tooth.
5. Talk to Your Dentist About Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition that causes patients to grind and clench their teeth, and it often happens subconsciously or during the nighttime. This can cause physical damage to the teeth, but that’s not all; it can also harm your TMJ, or the joints that connect your jaw to your skull and help you move your mouth. Bruxism can often be mitigated with a custom-made oral appliance.
Even with the best prevention, accidents can still happen—so if you experience a knocked-out tooth, severe swelling, intense pain, or any other concerning symptoms, don’t wait to let your dentist know!
About the Practice
Here at Winthrop Street Dentistry, we proudly serve patients all across Worcester and the surrounding communities. We offer a wide range of dental services, including routine preventive care, confidence-enhancing cosmetic dentistry, and even same-day emergency care for those with urgent needs. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re in need of emergency dentistry, don’t delay in contacting our office: Telephone: (508) 756-0990.