Everyday Habits That Can Lead to Dental Emergencies
Many dental emergencies start with innocent daily routines. At Emergency & Walk-In Dentist Cardiff, we treat preventable damage caused by common habits. Learn which behaviors to avoid to protect your smile from urgent dental visits.
7 Harmful Habits That Risk Dental Emergencies
1. Chewing Ice or Hard Objects
Crushing ice cubes, pen caps, or fingernails can cause cracked teeth and enamel damage. The extreme pressure may require crowns or even extractions.
2. Using Teeth as Tools
Opening bottles, tearing packages, or cutting tape with teeth leads to fractures. We’ve treated many patients who needed emergency fillings after using teeth as scissors.
3. Nail Biting
This nervous habit chips teeth, strains jaws, and introduces bacteria. Chronic biters often develop tooth sensitivity and TMJ pain.
4. Aggressive Brushing
Scrubbing teeth too hard wears down enamel and recedes gums, exposing sensitive roots that may need gum treatments.
5. Constant Snacking
Frequent sugary/acidic snacks create prolonged acid attacks, leading to decay that may require emergency root canals when nerves get infected.
6. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Unconscious grinding, especially at night, fractures teeth and causes jaw pain. Many patients need urgent dental repairs after severe damage.
7. Ignoring Small Problems
Neglecting minor pain or chips often leads to bigger emergencies. A small cavity can turn into an abscess requiring immediate treatment.
Emergency Signs From Habit Damage
Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Sudden, severe tooth pain
- Visible cracks or broken teeth
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Swollen gums or face
Our emergency dental services can repair habit-related damage any time.
How to Break These Harmful Habits
- For nail biters: Try bitter-tasting polish or stress balls
- For ice chewers: Switch to chilled (not frozen) drinks
- For grinders: Get a custom night guard from our dental clinic
- For aggressive brushers: Use soft-bristled brushes and gentle pressure
Need Emergency Dental Care in Cardiff?
Whether it’s habit-related damage or sudden pain, we’re available 24/7.
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