Dealing with a dental emergency could end up being costly and stressful. Here are simple things you can do to prevent one from happening.

Be diligent with maintaining your oral health care

Many dental emergencies don’t arise out of the blue. By seeking routine dental checkups twice a year, you are being proactive and can prevent permanent dental issues and emergencies. Emergencies can be the result of poor brushing and flossing habits. Brush your teeth twice daily for two full minutes, making sure to reach your back molars and other out-of-the-way places. Learn to floss properly (your dentist or hygienist can show you) and do it twice per day.

Replace your toothbrush regularly

Brushing with a worn or splayed toothbrush does not clean your teeth as effectively as a new brush. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every two to three months.

Wear a mouthguard

We all know how important a mouthguard is for contact sports such as football but there are many other high-impact sports and activities that put you at risk of having a tooth knocked out. Rollerblading, baseball, basketball, mountain biking and even volleyball could lead to an injury. Why not err on the side of caution and wear a well-fitted mouthguard?

Make an appointment at the first sign of discomfort

Never let a toothache go until the pain is unbearable. If your tooth hurts, it needs to be looked at by a dentist. Treating a problem early on will be less invasive, less expensive and offer better results than holding off until it constitutes an emergency.

Don’t let chips and cracks slide

If you know that you’ve chipped or cracked your tooth, get it fixed immediately, even if you’re experiencing no other symptoms. A chipped or cracked tooth will be highly susceptible to decay.

Eat a balanced diet

Maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water isn’t just good for your overall health, it’s important for your teeth and gums, too. Avoid sugary foods and acidic drinks that can damage your enamel and create a bacteria-friendly environment. Water really is important for your mouth, as it washes away bacteria and food particles from your teeth and gums and is vital to the production of saliva. Saliva protects your teeth and balances pH levels inside your mouth.