Tips To Prevent Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is an acute condition that needs immediate attention. It can be a broken tooth, a chipped tooth, a cracked tooth, a lost filling, a knocked-out tooth, or severe pain caused by an infection. 

Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies

While accidents are inevitable, there are a few things you can do to help prevent injuries to the mouth. These include the following:

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly.

One of the easiest ways to prevent toothaches and cavities is by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. Make it a point to brush or floss whenever you eat or drink something sugary to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth.

Ask your dentist if you need any advice on choosing toothpaste brands and toothbrushes with the highest cleaning power. Most dentists recommend electric toothbrushes with rotating heads, as these can remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes. For people with sensitive teeth and gums, it’s best to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce discomfort while brushing. You should also consider using fluoride-based mouthwash to lessen your risk of tooth decay.

• Visit your dentist regularly.

Dental checkups are important for preventing dental emergencies, especially if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while. During your visit, you will receive a thorough oral exam and professional cleaning that will help keep your teeth in tip-top shape in-between visits.

Plaque buildup and tartar can accumulate on your teeth over time which can lead to cavities and periodontal disease. A professional cleaning will remove the plaque and tartar so that it does not lead to future problems.

Plus, when you come in for your routine cleaning and exam, we can keep an eye out for any symptoms that are signs of potential issues down the road, such as gingivitis or oral cancer. We can then recommend ways to prevent the condition from worsening, such as improving your daily oral hygiene regimen at home. Preventive care is important for maintaining your healthy smile and preventing dental emergencies! Remember to schedule your next cleaning and checkup with your dentist every six months.

• Avoid chewing hard objects and ice.

While you might want to chew on ice to relieve your toothache, it can only lead to more pain. You should also avoid chewing on hard objects, including pencils and pens. This can further chip your teeth and cause fractures or breaks to your teeth. Furthermore, you should refrain from using your teeth to open bottle caps. This might lead to chipping or loosening of your teeth, causing you to need emergency dental services.

• Wear a mouthguard while participating in sports.

A mouthguard helps you avoid damaging your smile while playing contact sports. Also, wearing a mouthguard can help you prevent getting a tooth knocked out accidentally during a game or practice. Mouthguards can also protect your teeth against bruxism or teeth grinding, which can negatively affect the alignment of your teeth and cause jaw pain.

In case of a dental emergency, visit Mission Creek Family Dentistry at 9460 Cuyamaca St #101, Santee, CA 92071. Contact us at (619) 596-1128 or schedule an appointment online.