Dental emergencies can be painful, stressful, and costly—but the good news is that many of them are preventable with a bit of daily care and awareness. While it’s impossible to avoid every accident, you can significantly reduce your risk by adopting a few smart habits. Here are some essential tips to help protect your teeth and keep unexpected dental troubles at bay.
Maintain Strong Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the most effective ways to prevent dental emergencies is simply keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using fluoride toothpaste all help keep decay and gum disease at bay. When your teeth are strong and your gums are healthy, you’re less likely to experience infections, cracks, or painful inflammation that might require urgent care.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Routine checkups are key to catching issues early—often before they develop into emergencies. During these visits, your dental team can spot weakened enamel, small cavities, and gum recession long before they become serious. Professional cleanings also remove hardened plaque that can’t be removed at home. Staying consistent with these appointments is one of the simplest ways to avoid unexpected problems.
Protect Your Teeth During Physical Activity
If you play sports or engage in activities with a risk of impact, wearing a mouthguard is non-negotiable. Many dental emergencies stem from contact sports, falls, or accidental blows to the face. A properly fitted mouthguard cushions your teeth and jaw, reducing the chance of fractures, loosened teeth, or cuts to the lips and cheeks.
Never Use Your Teeth as Tools
Your teeth are strong, but they’re not designed to open packages, cut thread, or crack nuts. Using them this way significantly increases the risk of chips, fractures, or even dislodged teeth. Keep scissors, bottle openers, and other tools accessible so you’re never tempted to use your teeth for anything other than chewing.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
Certain foods can put your teeth at risk without you realizing it. Hard candies, popcorn kernels, ice cubes, and extremely chewy snacks can all lead to cracks or chips. Sticky sweets can also cling to enamel, increasing your likelihood of cavities and infections. Opting for tooth-friendlier snacks—like cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables—can help keep your smile safer and healthier.
Avoid Bad Habits That Harm Your Teeth
Grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing on pens or nails, and using tobacco products all increase your risk for dental injuries and infections. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about a custom nightguard. Breaking these habits not only protects your teeth but also supports better overall oral health.
A few mindful habits can make a major difference in keeping dental emergencies away.
About the Practice
Dr. Tommy Murph is committed to helping families enjoy healthy, worry-free smiles. American Dental of Conway offers comprehensive emergency dentistry services, routine preventive care, and personalized guidance to help you avoid future dental issues.
Call us at (843) 428-0231 or request an appointment online.