26 August 2025

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

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies: The Most Common Causes Revealed

In our last guide, we looked at what qualifies as a dental emergency — from sudden toothaches to a knocked-out tooth. Knowing how to react is vital, but it’s just as important to understand why these problems happen in the first place.

The good news is that many dental emergencies are preventable. With the right daily habits and a little awareness, you can avoid a lot of pain, stress, and urgent trips to the dentist. Below, we’ll explore the most frequent causes of dental emergencies and share practical steps you can take to reduce your risk.

1. Untreated Tooth Decay and Infections

One of the leading reasons people find themselves in an emergency chair is untreated tooth decay. Cavities often start small and painless, but when ignored, they can quickly spiral into much bigger problems.

Why it can become an emergency:

• As decay spreads deeper into the tooth, it eventually reaches the pulp — the sensitive inner part that contains nerves and blood vessels. At this point, pain is usually intense and persistent.
• If bacteria reach the pulp, an abscess (a painful pocket of infection) may form at the root or gum line. Abscesses are dangerous because they can spread infection to the jaw, face, or even the bloodstream if left untreated.

How to prevent it:

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day to keep bacteria under control.
• See your dentist regularly (every 6 months for most people) so early decay can be treated with a simple filling rather than a root canal or extraction.
• Cut back on sugary snacks and acidic drinks, which fuel the bacteria that cause decay. Even rinsing with water after a fizzy drink can help.

2. Physical Trauma and Accidents

Slips, trips, sports injuries, or even an unexpected knock can cause broken or dislodged teeth. These emergencies are often sudden and stressful.

Why it can become an emergency:

• A direct impact can knock a tooth completely out of its socket (known as an avulsed tooth). Timing is crucial — the tooth has the best chance of survival if treated within an hour.
• Teeth can chip, crack, or shift out of position, leading to pain, bleeding, or sharp edges that damage your mouth.

How to prevent it:

• If you play contact sports like rugby, football, hockey, or martial arts, always wear a mouthguard. A custom one from your dentist fits better and protects more effectively than shop-bought versions.
• Take everyday precautions, such as clearing clutter at home to prevent falls and wearing a seatbelt in the car.

3. Biting Down on Hard Objects (or Using Teeth as Tools)

Your teeth are strong, but they’re not indestructible. Misusing them often leads to sudden dental damage.

Why it can become an emergency:

• Chewing on hard sweets, ice, or even popcorn kernels can crack or fracture a tooth.
• Using your teeth to tear packets, bite pen caps, or open bottles can break fillings or crowns and expose sensitive tooth structures.

How to prevent it:

• Be mindful of what you bite into and avoid chewing on non-food items.
• Keep scissors, bottle openers, and other tools handy — your teeth aren’t designed for those jobs.

4. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Many people grind or clench their teeth, often without realising it. Stress, anxiety, or even an uneven bite can contribute to this condition.

Why it can become an emergency:

• Constant grinding puts pressure on your teeth and fillings, leading to cracks or fractures.
• Over time, it wears down enamel, leaving teeth sensitive and prone to decay.
• Bruxism can also cause severe jaw pain and contribute to TMJ (jaw joint) disorders.

How to prevent it:

• If you wake up with a sore jaw, frequent headaches, or sensitive teeth, mention it to your dentist.
• A custom night guard provides a protective barrier between your teeth while you sleep.
• Stress management — such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing — can also reduce grinding.

Prevention is Always Better Than Cure

Not every dental emergency can be avoided — accidents happen. But most are linked to issues that can be managed with good habits and routine dental care.

By keeping up with brushing, flossing, and check-ups, while avoiding risky behaviours like chewing ice or ignoring early toothache, you’ll greatly reduce your chances of facing a sudden dental crisis.

And if the unexpected does happen, don’t delay — call your dentist right away. Acting quickly can often make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.