24th Feb 2025

6 Effective Ways to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Many of us take our oral health for granted until something goes wrong. A severe toothache or an unexpected oral infection can be both painful and overwhelming, especially when it affects a child. Fortunately, taking proactive steps can help you avoid these emergencies. By paying attention to your oral health and knowing when to seek professional care, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent unexpected dental issues.

Read on to learn what signs to watch for and when to seek urgent dental care. This will make the experience far less terrifying, and you'll be able to handle it much better.

1. Stay alert to changes in your mouth

It’s important to monitor your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues for any changes. For instance, a persistent toothache could indicate a cavity, a cracked tooth, or a failing dental filling. Even if the pain subsides, don’t ignore it—this could mean the nerve inside the tooth has been damaged or that an infection is progressing silently. Prompt treatment from a dentist can save the tooth and prevent complications.

Pay close attention to other signs, like sores, ulcers, or wounds in your mouth that don’t heal within a week or two. Changes in the appearance or texture of your gums, tongue, cheeks, or lips could also signal an issue that requires professional evaluation.

2. Practice good dental hygiene

A strong foundation of dental hygiene goes a long way in preventing emergencies. Brush your teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and again before bedtime. Use a fluoride toothpaste and spend at least two minutes brushing to ensure all surfaces are cleaned properly.

If you use an electric toothbrush, take advantage of the built-in timer. For manual toothbrush users, consider setting a timer on your phone to stay consistent.

3. Replace your toothbrush regularly

Over time, toothbrushes lose their effectiveness as bristles wear down. Replace your toothbrush or electric brush head every three to four months—or sooner if the bristles look frayed or worn. Using a worn-out toothbrush can reduce cleaning effectiveness and make it harder to remove plaque and debris.

If you use an electric toothbrush, look for wear indicators on the brush head, which make it easy to know when it’s time for a replacement.

4. Clean between your teeth

The conventional and simple method of cleaning in between your teeth is dental floss, but you may also use interdental brushes, soft picks, or a Waterpik. About one-third of your tooth surfaces are left uncleaned when you don't floss every day, which dramatically raises your risk of dental cavities and oral infections. The dentist always determines what person flosses routinely and what doesn't. Ask your dentist or hygienist for guidance and support if you are having trouble cleaning in between your teeth.

5. Limit sugary foods and drinks

Frequent snacking on sugary foods creates an acidic environment in your mouth, which weakens your teeth over time. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that erode enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay.

After consuming sugar, it can take 30 to 60 minutes for the pH levels in your mouth to return to normal. To protect your teeth, reduce your intake of sugary snacks and drinks and opt for healthier alternatives whenever possible. If you do consume sugar, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterward to minimize damage.

6. Don’t skip your dentist appointments 

Make it a priority to see your dentist regularly. These visits are crucial for spotting and addressing problems before they turn into bigger issues. Your dentist can catch things like cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns early on, giving you the chance to treat them before they become more serious. Try to schedule a checkup every six months or as often as your dentist recommends.