Dental emergencies can be painful as well as distressing. A dental emergency leads to unplanned visits to the dental clinic and costly treatments. All dental emergencies cannot be avoided but most of them can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, routine dental visits, and being cautious while performing daily activities.
This article explores the practical prevention of dental emergencies and maintaining good oral health.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
The prevention of most tooth emergencies depends on maintaining good oral hygiene. Taing good care of your teeth and gums prevents common dental problems that may cause dental emergencies, like decay, cavities, and gum infections.
- Brushing daily using a fluoride-based toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes is important. While brushing make sure to cover all the surfaces of your teeth.
- Flossing daily removes food debris and plaque accumulated between your teeth and along the gum margins. Regular flossing prevents gum disease and dental decay.
- Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash reduces plaque, freshens the breath, and prevents gum disease. Choose a mouthwash to complement your oral hygiene routine.
- Schedule regular dental checkup appointments every six months. Routine visits to your dentist allow you to detect any potential issues even before they arise or become dental emergencies.
- Certain foods, mainly hard, sticky, or extremely sugary, increase the risk of dental emergencies.
Tips to Protect Your Teeth
It is wise to develop a care routine to maintain adequate oral hygiene. The following are some tips to protect your teeth:
Be Careful of What You Eat
Being attentive of your eating habits can help prevent routine weakening of your teeth.
- Be careful when eating hard food like candies and popcorn kernels or biting on ice, as these can crack or chip your teeth.
- Limit sticky food, sweets, candies, and toffee. These foods can stick to teeth and are difficult to remove, causing cavities. Be sure to brush and floss after you have such treats.
- Moderate your intake of sugary and acidic food as they erode the tooth enamel and make your teeth susceptible to decay and sensitivity. After consumption of these foods, make sure to rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acidic environment in the oral cavity.
Protective Appliances
Wear protective gear while participating in contact sports or activities that bring risk to your mouth. Know how to protect your teeth during physical activities.
- A mouthguard is protective gear that covers your teeth and gums and drastically lowers the risk of trauma.
- When playing sports like football or hockey or performing martial arts, a mouthguard helps prevent any trauma causing broken, knocked-out teeth or soft tissue injuries.
- Using a helmet with a faceguard while playing sports with fast-moving objects, baseball, or cycling, provides additional protection against facial and dental injuries.
Teeth Are Not Tools
Avoid using teeth as tools, as they can cause serious damage and lead to dental emergencies.
- Don’t try to open packages using your teeth as scissors or a knife. Biting on plastic or metal causes teeth to chip or crack.
- Avoid chewing on non-food Items like pens, pencils, or other objects that can wear down tooth enamel and potentially break the teeth.
Addressing Dental Problems
Seek help for dental emergencies promptly, as ignoring minor dental problems can become significantly greater problems over time. Be proactive about your dental health and prevent escalation of minor issues.
- If you notice any sensitivity or pain in a tooth, do not delay getting treatment. A small cavity can become large in no time, causing severe pain or infection.
- Swollen, bleeding, or painful gums are signs of gum disease. If not treated, gum diseases can further lead to tooth loss and complications.
- Replace dislodged fillings or broken crowns as soon as possible. Exposed teeth are prone to decay and damage.
The following are some specific dental problems that warrant targeted care:
Oral Burns
Consumption of extremely hot beverages can cause gum or palatal burns, which are painful and increase the risk of infection.
To avoid these issues:
- Test the temperature before taking a sip to ensure the drink is not too hot.
- Use a straw while drinking hot beverages. This also reduces the risk of burns and minimizes contact with your teeth.
Bruxism
Bruxism, known as teeth grinding, is an oral habit that causes dental emergencies like cracked or worn-down teeth. It occurs during sleep or due to stress.
To prevent damage from bruxism:
- Make use of a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night. Ask your dentist about a custom-made nightguard. This appliance can protect your teeth and prevent damage.
- Manage stress through techniques like meditation, exercise, or therapy. This can help control or reduce the habit of teeth grinding. Be attentive if you grind your teeth during the day or in stressful situations. If you find yourself doing it, consciously relax your jaw.
Role of Saliva
Saliva helps in maintaining oral health as it neutralizes acids, and washes away food particles. Saliva has essential minerals needed to strengthen your teeth. Dehydration reduces saliva formation and increases the risk of dental issues.
- Drink plenty of water. This keeps your mouth hydrated and flushes out the food particles.
- Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva formation and protects your teeth between meals.
- Avoid sugary or acidic drinks including sodas, or sports drinks. These drinks erode enamel and dry out the mouth.
Even when making use of the best prevention methods, accidents can still occur. Being prepared for dental emergencies can impact the results. Keep your dentist’s emergency contact number handy so you can reach out to them quickly whenever needed. You may also benefit from having a dental emergency kit at home. It consists of items like gauze, pain relievers, a container with a lid to store knocked-out teeth, and dental cement for temporary reattaching a crown or filling.
Prevention of dental emergencies is not just about avoiding pain; it is about protecting your overall health and well-being. By following the above tips and making smart choices in your everyday life, you can reduce the risk of dental emergencies and enjoy healthy, pain-free oral health. Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene, and protective strategies help to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Learn how to tackle emergency dental situations with our expert emergency dentists at Norwood Dental. Discover the steps to prevent dental emergencies and let our experienced team of dentists handle them for you.
Contact us or schedule an appointment today!
Phone: 952 467 3518