Dental emergencies have a way of arriving at the worst possible moment—a weekend, a holiday, the night before graduation. While some issues are unavoidable, many of the most common ones can be prevented by cultivating good oral health habits. Keep reading to find five ways you can keep your smile from collapsing into a crisis.
1. Keep Up with Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Most dental emergencies don’t just pop up out of nowhere. They start as small, undetected problems, like cracks, enamel wear, or red gums, and quietly get worse over time. Seeing your dentist once every six months (or more, if recommended) is the best way to catch these issues before they become painful, expensive, and urgent.
2. Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
A knocked-out or fractured tooth is one of the most common sports-related dental emergencies—and one of the most preventable. If you or your kids play contact sports or regularly engage in any activity with a risk of facial contact, it’s time to grab a mouthguard. While store-bought options are better than nothing, your best bet is a custom one from your dentist. They’re more comfortable and significantly more effective. Win—win!
3. Stop Using Your Teeth as Tools
Opening packages with your teeth, tearing tags off clothing, and gnawing on your fingernails are habits that stress your smile. While tooth enamel is tough, it’s not indestructible. One wrong chomp can chip or crack an otherwise healthy tooth, causing an instant emergency. Always keep a stash of good tools for any small job—scissors, bottle-openers, and fingernail clippers—nearby.
4. Address Grinding Before It Causes Damage
If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, you may not even know until the damage seemingly appears out of nowhere. If your jaw feels sore in the mornings or your teeth start becoming increasingly sensitive, talk to your dentist. They can offer advice to stop clenching or offer a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.
5. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Tooth pain, unusual sensitivity, a loose filling, or swollen gums are red flags for your oral health. Waiting it out is rarely the right call, as small problems have a way of worsening quickly. When something feels off, don’t debate yourself—call your dentist. It’s almost always easier, less painful, and less expensive to treat something early.
With these tips, you can stay on top of your oral health and prevent the vast majority of dental emergencies. But when one does arrive at your door, your dentist will be ready to spring into action and save your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sally Alkamary is a graduate of the NYU College of Dentistry, where she earned her degree with honors. She went on to finish a two-year post-graduate program in Implant Surgery and Prosthetics at NYU, where she now serves as a Clinical Associate Professor. Today, she provides comprehensive emergency and preventive dental care for patients in need. Call (973) 912-9091 to schedule an emergency appointment at Glamorous Smile Dental Spa or visit our website to learn more.