It is the most common thing in the world to feel some level of anxiety or worry when visiting the dentist. For many adults such visits can actually bring back bad memories of childhood. However, there can also be times when such a visit becomes an urgent necessity if your teeth, gums or inner cheeks are hurt or damaged – forcing you back to the dentist with an extra helping of anxiety on top of any existing worries.

Everyone wants to avoid these dental emergencies, but, with a little thought you can ensure you are less likely to succumb to them and better prepared to receive treatment in the case that something does occur. Learning how to avoid dental emergencies can serve you well for life.

What are the most common dental emergencies?

The most obvious dental emergency is the breaking or the loss of teeth, often through eating hard foods such as bread or rock cakes, or through contact sports such as boxing or rugby. If this occurs it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible as, even if there is only a small break off the tooth, it is important to have the tooth’s general strength and security checked.

Ulcers around the inside of your mouth can happen after vigorously brushing gums, or due to inflammation caused by biting the inside of your mouth, either by accident or through habit. If ulcers become a serious problem, it is important to have them looked at.

If your dental pulp (the region around your teeth) becomes inflamed, what is known as ‘pulpitis’ can cause you considerable pain and distress. Wisdom teeth growing in can also cause dental emergencies, especially since it is possible for them to become infected (although this usually only happens if you do not take good care of your mouth).

How to avoid dental emergencies

To guard against lost or broken teeth it is wise to wear a mouthguard during contact sports, and take extra care during physical activities. For example, if you are running, keep an eye out for tripping hazards such as tree branches and objects or people you might collide with. Try not to walk or run with both hands in your pockets too. This way, you will always have a ‘handy’ hand, already out, to protect you in case you fall. This will provide a level of protection for your face and your teeth.

Brushing your teeth twice a day, including once right before bed, can combat most infections and bacterial dental emergencies before they take hold. Doing so also helps to avoid the build-up of plaque on your teeth, which can damage them over time and cause abscesses to form.

If you do break or lose a tooth, it is important to go to a dentist right away. While good dentists can be found across the country, when it comes to dental emergencies, London is home to specialist practices, such as Ten Dental, who offer a range of safe options for resolving emergency issues. Specialising in implants, crowns and dental bridges, they also manage root canal treatment quickly and effectively. The most important step in good dental health is to visit the dentist regularly for six-monthly check-ups, and visit your dentist as soon as you think there is something wrong.