Dental emergencies are extremely stressful. Thankfully, there are things you can do to protect your smile! Here are five of the most important tips:

1. Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

Painful toothaches are often caused by tooth decay and infections, which you can prevent by taking good care of your teeth at home! Brush at least twice a day (for two minutes per session) and floss at least once a day. If you have questions about proper brushing and flossing techniques, don’t hesitate to ask us.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

You can avoid many dental emergencies by keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Foods like lean proteins, fresh vegetables, fruit, and dairy products are packed with tooth-strengthening vitamins and minerals. To prevent decay, cut back on sugary treats like candy, cookies, baked goods, and carbonated soft drinks.

3. Address Dental Issues As Soon As You Notice Them

Are you feeling increased tooth sensitivity? Or tooth pain? These could be signs of problems like chipped teeth, cavities, or broken restorations. These issues don’t go away on their own; they’ll only get worse if you do nothing. As soon as you feel discomfort or pain, call the dentist! Depending on your symptoms, we may schedule an appointment right away or wait a few days.

4. Wear a Mouthguard When You’re Playing Sports

Contact sports are responsible for a lot of dental emergencies, including mouth lacerations, broken teeth, and knocked-out teeth. You can also get hurt during solo activities like rollerblading and skateboarding. Mouthguards are a convenient and effective way to protect your smile! Our office has custom mouthguards, which are more comfortable and better fitting than store-bought mouthguards.

5. Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools

Your teeth are very strong, but they aren’t meant to chew anything other than food! Never use your teeth to tear open packages, cut tape, or open bottles. Even if your teeth seem strong enough, tearing at the wrong angle can cause tiny fractures that will gradually get bigger.

Emergency Dentistry at Mission Hills Family Dental in San Marcos, CA

You can prevent many emergencies by following our tips, but if you do experience something like a chipped tooth or toothache, we’re proud to offer emergency dental care! If necessary, we can even get you an appointment on the day you call. Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller!