Common Causes of Dental Emergencies (and How to Avoid Them)

Dental emergencies can happen at the worst times, but many of them are preventable. When you know about the most common causes, you can take the right steps to protect your teeth.

Our experienced dentists at Gentle Dental Care in Edison, New Jersey, have helped many patients through unexpected dental issues. With training in cosmetic and family dentistry, as well as expertise in emergency care, they know how to quickly diagnose and treat urgent dental problems.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Dental Emergencies?

Accidents happen, but not all dental emergencies come from sudden injuries. Some develop over time due to habits or untreated dental problems. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Tooth injuries from falls, sports, or accidents: A fall or major impact to the mouth can result in a cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth.
• Untreated cavities and infections: Ignoring minor tooth pain can allow decay to progress, leading to abscesses or severe infections that require emergency treatment.
• Cracked or fractured teeth: Biting down on hard foods like popcorn kernels or ice can damage your teeth, especially if they already have small cracks.
• Lost fillings or crowns: A weakened filling or crown can fall out and leave your tooth exposed.
• Gum infections: Swelling, bleeding, or pain in the gums are often signs of an infection that needs immediate attention.

Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While you can’t always avoid accidents, there are easy ways to lower your chances of having a dental emergency:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to protect your teeth from impact.
• Try not to chew on ice, hard candy, or non-food objects that can crack or damage teeth.
• Stay on top of regular dental checkups to catch small problems before they become emergencies.
• If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a nightguard to prevent fractures and wear.
• Brush twice a day and floss every day to reduce the risk of cavities and gum infections.

Get Fast, Reliable Care for Any Dental Emergency

A little prevention goes a long way, but if you ever find yourself facing a dental emergency, our team is ready to help. Call Gentle Dental Care at 732-549-5660 for expert care in Edison, NJ, when you need it most.