Page 139 - Sanidhya 2025

STOP DENTAL DISASTERS BEFORE THEY START

Daily Habits to Avoid Dental Emergencies

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency isn’t just pain—it includes:
Dr. Neetu Singh,
MDS (Prosthodontics & Implantologist)
Broken, cracked, or knocked-out teeth
Severe toothache or jaw pain
Swelling of gums, face, or neck
Dental abscess (pus or infection)
Persistent bleeding in the mouth
Broken braces or dentures causing injury
Seek emergency care if you notice:
These conditions demand immediate attention to prevent
long-term damage or infection. But here’s the good ➜ Swelling in face or gums
news—most of them can be avoided with proper care.
➜ Pain that doesn’t respond to painkillers
➜ Knocked-out or broken teeth
Daily Habits That Put You at Risk (And How to
➜ Pus, foul taste, or fever
Fix Them)
➜ Bleeding that doesn’t stop
Using Your Teeth as Tools: Treating your teeth
1 like multitools can cause cracks and chips. (Use
scissors or openers instead of your teeth.)
Final Takeaway: How to Protect Your Smile
Chewing Ice, Pens, or Hard Candy: Hard
2 surfaces can cause microfractures that eventually Brushing with fluoride toothpaste: 2x daily
lead to broken teeth or fillings.(Replace the habit
Flossing: 1x daily
with sugar-free gum or crunchy fruits like apples.) Dental checkups: Every 6 months

Wearing a mouthguard: As needed
Skipping Floss or Night Brushing: Skipping Avoiding sugary snacks: Daily awareness
3 flossing or brushing at night allows bacteria to Hydration: Daily
fester overnight.(Brush twice daily for 2 minutes
and floss at least once a day.)

Grinding Your Teeth (Bruxism): Bruxism can “Your mouth is not separate from your
4 silently erode enamel and cause jaw pain.(Talk to body. A toothache isn’t just dental—it’s
biological, emotional, and social.”
your dentist about a nightguard and reduce
stress.) - Dr. David Williams

Snacking Constantly or Sipping Sugary Most dental emergencies are avoidable. Small daily habits
5 Drinks: Frequent sugar intake feeds bacteria, and preventive care can protect your teeth and save you
causing acid that erodes enamel.(Eat at regular from pain and costly treatments.
intervals, drink water, and limit sweet beverages.)

Ignoring Small Signs: A little bleeding or mild
6 pain are early warning signs.(Get checked early.
Early treatment is less painful and costly.)

Skipping Dental Checkups: Waiting until there’s
7 a problem can make things worse. (Visit your
dentist every 6 months.)