6729 Lake Rd,
Windsor, WI 53598

How to Prevent a Dental Emergency: 6 Must-Know Tips to a Healthy Smile

Dental emergencies can be uncomfortable, expensive, and unpleasant. With good dental care, many of these problems, such as unexpected toothaches or fractured teeth, can be avoided. Discover our 6 tips for avoiding dental emergencies and preserving good oral health.

how to prevent dental emergencies

Tip #1 Practice Good Oral Hygiene

A healthy mouth can go a long way in avoiding potential dental emergencies. To get rid of plaque and germs that can cause tooth decay and gum disease, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. To remove any buildup between your teeth, be sure to floss at least once a day. To eliminate bacteria and improve breath quality, think about using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Moreover, remember to change your toothbrush every three to four months, or earlier if the bristles become frayed.

Essential Oral Hygiene Tips to Follow

TechniqueDescription
Brushing Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle circular motion. Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth and pay special attention to the gumline, the back teeth, and any areas with fillings, crowns, or other restorations.
Flossing Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth and wrap it in a C-shape around the tooth. Gently move the floss up and down, making sure to go below the gumline.
Mouthwash Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill germs and freshen your breath. A mouthwash with fluoride can help strengthen your teeth. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out, being sure not to swallow any.
Tongue Cleaning To clean your tongue of bacteria and dirt, use a tongue cleaner or scraper. This can help you breathe better and lower your chance of developing gum disease. From back to front, gently scrape your tongue, rinsing the scraper after each pass.

Tip #2 Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can contribute to keeping your teeth strong and preventing dental emergencies. Recommended foods for a healthy diet include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Eating foods high in sugar and starch can raise your risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues. Be sure to wash down the food you’re eating with ample amounts of water, which can rinse away food residue and prevent further buildup of bacteria by keeping your mouth moist.

Recommended Foods to Promote Oral Health

  • Dairy products: Cheese, yogurt, and milk are all rich in calcium and phosphorus, which strengthens tooth enamel to prevent decay.
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables contribute to cleaning your teeth and massaging your gums when chewed.
  • Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are high in vitamins and minerals that promote oral health, including calcium, vitamin C, and folic acid.
  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, and other nuts and seeds are a good source of teeth-strengthening calcium, protein, and healthy fats.
  • Water: Drinking water is important for overall health and can also help rinse away food particles and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Tip #3 Wear a Mouthguard During Sports and Other Activities

When participating in sports and other activities, wearing a mouthguard can help safeguard your teeth from harm. Mouthguards act as a cushion for teeth, which also lessens the force of any strikes to the face or mouth. For contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing, this is especially crucial. When engaging in non-sports activities like biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading, mouthguards can also assist protect teeth from being cracked, shattered, or knocked out. To ensure the greatest level of safety, wear a mouth guard that is properly fitted.

Pros and Cons of Different Mouthguard Types

TechniqueProsCons
Stock Mouthguards  Inexpensive  Bulky, uncomfortable fit
 Widely available  Interferes with breathing and speaking
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards  Relatively inexpensive  May not fit as well as custom mouthguards
 Widely available with a customized fit  Fairly bulky and uncomfortable
Custom-Made Mouthguards  Best fit and most comfortable option  More expensive
 Maximum protection and can be tailored to specific spots or activities  Requires a visit to the dentist to have custom-made

Tip #4 See Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits are crucial to avoiding dental emergencies. Frequent dental cleanings and examinations can aid in spotting any possible abnormalities before they develop into significant problems requiring emergency care. Based on your particular requirements, your dentist can also make tailored recommendations for preserving good dental health.

Your dentist may also answer any queries or concerns you may have regarding your dental health and give instructions on how to brush and floss properly.

In general, you visit the dentist at least once a year. To best maintain your oral health and catch, it’s recommended you see your dentist every 6 months.

Tip #5 Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools

Your teeth may get chipped, cracked, or broken if you use them to open bottles, tear open packaging, or bite your nails. These injuries have the potential to cause discomfort, sensitivity, and even infection. However, using your teeth as tools can harm crowns or fillings that have already been placed or other dental treatment that has already been done. Never replace your teeth with scissors, bottle openers, or other tools.

Tip #6 Address Dental Concerns Promptly

Dental emergencies can be avoided in large part by promptly addressing dental issues. It's crucial to make a dental appointment as soon as you notice any changes in your teeth or gums, including pain, swelling, bleeding, or even a broken tooth that needs repair. Ignoring dental problems might eventually result in more severe concerns, such as infections or abscesses. You may prevent minor problems from becoming major ones and maintain good oral health by taking care of dental issues as soon as they arise.

Windsor Family Dental: Your Emergency Dentist

Whether you want a dental concern addressed or need emergency care, Windsor Family Dental in Windsor, WI can help. We use the latest technology and dental treatments to fix your smile the right way. Don’t put off seeking care until it’s too late. Call us right away for emergency dental care.

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See why people have been coming back to us for over 45 years

Ann B.

I always enjoy my teeth cleaning with Emily. You can tell from her attitude that she really cares about her patients. She really is the best. Everyone is helpful at Windsor Family Dental. I highly recommend them.

Nick Z.

Dana, my hygienist, did a fantastic job. With over 25 years of experience, she skillfully engaged in conversation with me while working on my teeth, making the cleaning process pleasant and comfortable. I also had the pleasure of meeting Kristi, Dr. DeMatthew's assistant, who was friendly and personable. Dr. DeMatthew herself was articulate in explaining the details of my dental health, making sure I understood everything clearly. Overall, my experience at Windsor Family Dental was wonderful, and I highly recommend Dr. DeMatthew and her staff.

Kaci K.

I had to switch dental clinics because of insurance reasons and I am happy to have landed at Windsor Family Dental. The staff here is great and I love Dr. Zhao, she addressed a concern that I’ve had for years and put my mind at ease. Everyone made me feel comfortable and after my visit my lifelong dread of dental appointments has vanished.

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Additional Benefits

12% OFFAdditional Treatment

1 panoramic or full mouth x-ray when indicated

* Invisalign, whitening gels and strips, and resale items excluded from the 12% discount

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Adult (14 years & older)

$39/mo Save $422

Includes

2 Cleanings

2 Regular Exams

2 Fluoride Treatments

Routine X-rays

1 Emergency Visit (includes exam & x-ray)

Child (13 years & under)

$34/moSave $398

Includes

2 Cleanings

2 Regular Exams

2 Fluoride Treatments

Routine X-rays

1 Emergency Visit (includes exam & x-ray)

Perio - 3x per year

$67/moSave $663

Includes

3 Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings

2 Regular Exams

2 Fluoride Treatments

Routine X-rays

1 Emergency Visit (includes exam & x-ray)

Perio - 4x per year

$82/moSave $689

Includes

4 Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings

2 Regular Exams

2 Fluoride Treatments

Routine X-rays

1 Emergency Visit (includes exam & x-ray)

One-time enrollment fee of $99 for existing patients, new patients $149. Enrollment fee waived under annual membership option.

THIS IS NOT DENTAL INSURANCE. Cannot be combined with other insurance or discount plans. Membership plan is specific to one person and cannot be transferred. Covered services not used within the specified time period will not be carried over or transferred. Services will be provided at this location only. Membership plan will auto-renew each year on the renewal date. If a patient presents with periodontal infection, a personalized treatment plan will be presented at an additional cost. The perio plan is strictly for preventive maintenance care.