5 Ways to Prevent Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can occur from unexpected trauma like a fall, a car accident, or an accidental hit to the mouth. While you can’t avoid the unexpected, there are steps you can take now to prevent dental emergencies related to tooth decay from poor oral hygiene.

Park Dental NYC offers emergency dental services for conditions requiring immediate medical attention.

Yookyung Park, DDS, and Pat Ng-A-Fook, DDS, address dental problems that can worsen without treatment. They use the latest techniques to repair damaged teeth or heal bleeding gums so that you can avoid additional complications.

What to know about dental emergencies

A dental emergency is a situation in which immediate dental care is necessary to preserve your oral health. These issues can include:

• Intense toothache
• Fractured tooth
• Lost tooth or tooth restoration
• Inflamed or bleeding gums
• Severe jaw pain or a locked jaw

A tooth abscess is a serious dental infection that’s also considered a dental emergency. An abscess can cause pain, swelling, and the discharge of pus or blood from the gums.  Without treatment, the infection can spread from your mouth into other areas of your body.

Some dental emergencies may be prevented with good oral hygiene and a proactive approach to oral safety. Below, we outline our favorite tips to reduce your risk of a dental emergency.

5 strategies to protect against emergency trips to the dentist

Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential to prevent dental emergencies. Here are five strategies to get you started:

1. Brush and floss at least twice a day

Brushing your teeth with a quality fluoride toothpaste is important for removing bacteria that harden into plaque and can destroy tooth integrity. You should also floss between your teeth to remove food particles and other debris.

Ideally, you should brush, floss, and rinse your mouth after every meal, but aim for at least twice a day – in the morning and before you go to bed.

2. Eat a healthy diet

Consuming a well-balanced, nutritious diet provides the minerals and vitamins your teeth and gums need to be strong and healthy.

Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables instead of sugary, processed foods to reduce tooth decay and keep your smile bright. Avoid hard and sticky foods that can chip your teeth or tear your gums.

3. Don’t use your teeth as a tool

Be mindful of how you use your teeth for activities beyond chewing food. Prevent damage by not using your teeth to tear open packages or gnaw on your fingernails.

4. Wear a mouthguard

When you’re active in sports or other activities that put your oral health at risk, invest in a durable mouthguard to protect your teeth.

If you grind your teeth when anxious or during sleep, ask our providers for custom nightguard resources to prevent uneven tooth wear, as well as chips and cracks.

5. See your dentist

Routine dental cleanings and checkups are vital to good oral health. Dr. Park and her team ensure your teeth are in good condition at each visit. They can also make necessary repairs early, before a dental emergency develops.

We recommend routine visits every six months for professional cleanings and a thorough oral health evaluation.

Call Park Dental NYC today to learn more about our emergency dentistry options. You can also book an appointment online.