5 MUST-KNOW TIPS FOR AVOIDING A DENTAL EMERGENCY

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. However, they can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene habits and avoiding certain bad habits. Oral health is not always just about brushing and flossing your teeth. There are other factors too that can affect your oral health. While some of these habits may seem harmless, they can lead to a host of oral health problems. Listed below are a few bad dental habits that need to be avoided to prevent a dental emergency.

• Quit Smoking

In addition to staining your teeth and increasing your risk of developing gum disease, tobacco products can also cause problems in your mouth’s soft tissues. For example, frequent smokers have an increased risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco products also contain many chemicals that can irritate your gums and cause bad breath. Over time, these effects can worsen and lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and even cancer. You are also at higher risk for developing periodontitis if you smoke. Talk to your dentist about how you can improve your oral health by quitting smoking.

• Wear A Mouthguard If You Have The Habit of Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is an oral habit that can significantly harm your oral health. Many people grind their teeth while they are sleeping, which can wear down tooth enamel over time. This can cause sensitivity and cause your jaw to ache in the morning. In severe cases, teeth grinding can lead to fracturing or breaking off a tooth.

If left untreated, this condition can also contribute to TMD and other dental emergencies. For proper treatment, you should visit your dentist so they can diagnose the underlying causes of your grinding and determine the best treatment plan for you.

• Stop Chewing Ice

Chewing on ice is a bad idea for several reasons. Firstly, it can damage your teeth and fillings because it can crack your enamel or make existing cavities worse. Secondly, it can make the teeth sensitive and hurt your gums.

• Stop Nail Biting

Nail biting is a common bad habit that can affect oral health in a variety of ways. In addition to causing chipped and cracked teeth, it can also cause periodontal problems, including gum recession and bone deterioration. It can also impact the appearance of your smile. Many patients find that nail biting is related to their stress and anxiety levels as well. If you bite your nails often, try to kick the habit at the earliest.

• Do Not Use Teeth As Tools

Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the body and can withstand a lot of wear and tear before it becomes damaged. However, hard objects like fingernails, bottle caps, or ice cubes can chip or crack teeth. The risk of damage is higher if the object gets stuck in a grooved tooth surface and pressure is applied from opposing angles. Ripping open plastic packaging with your teeth or tearing boxes with teeth can cause fractures or cracks in your teeth that could require restorative dental treatment to fix. Stop this, and instead, try to use scissors or a bottle opener to open the packaging and cut your food. You should also avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils, and fingernails. The American Dental Association recommends avoiding this behavior to prevent chips or fractures.