If you have ever experienced a dental emergency, you know just how unexpected and frustrating they can be to deal with. They never seem to happen at a convenient time and can cause quite a bit of pain. Fortunately, most dental emergencies are avoidable when you take all of the proper precautions. Continue reading to learn some tips that may be able to keep you out of the dental chair in need of emergency treatment.
Notice Any Changes
If you suddenly start feeling pain in your mouth or a toothache disappears out of the blue, this is definitely something you should address with your dentist. By catching these types of changes early on, you can often times get them treated before they become serious. For instance, if you have a severe toothache that goes away, this could be a sign that an infection has killed the nerve inside your tooth. By seeing your dentist as soon as possible, they will have a better chance at saving your tooth.
Excellent Oral Hygiene
You should be brushing twice for two minutes and flossing at least once every single day. This will keep plaque, food debris, and bacteria away from your teeth and gums so that you don’t develop oral health problems like cavities and periodontal disease. Replace your toothbrush every three months or whenever you notice that it is starting to look worn.
Cut Back on the Sugar
When you eat sugary foods, bacteria will feed off of it and releases an acid as a by-product. This is an issue because it attacks your protective tooth enamel by removing essential minerals. In the end, you are much more likely to develop cavities. When you decide to have a sugary treat, try to include it as part of one of your main meals so you reduce the amount of time that your mouth is vulnerable to damage.
Use a Mouthguard
Spending time staying active is important for your health, but contact sports can be risky for your smile. If there is a chance that you could receive a blow to the mouth, remember to wear a mouthguard. Dental injuries happen all the time when playing sports, and many of them can be avoided with this protective device.
Drink Lots of Water
You need to drink plenty of water so that you are hydrated enough to produce an adequate amount of saliva. Saliva is necessary to wash away food debris and to maintain a neutral pH level. It also contains specific minerals that help to protect your teeth so that you don’t encounter decay.
See Your Dentist
Even if you are an excellent brusher and flosser, seeing your dentist is still necessary for preventive care. Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from places you can’t reach, and your dentist checks for preexisting issues so they can be resolved before becoming serious.
You don’t want to be experiencing a dental emergency in the near future. By following the tips listed above, you can keep your oral health in excellent shape.
About the Practice
At Advanced Smile Design, you have not just one, but two dentists providing quality care to patients in the Willow Grove area. Dr. Krunal Patel attended Pacific Dental College & Hospital in India before moving to the USA and earning his dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Barry Isdaner has been practicing in the field for over 45 years so far. For more information on preventing dental emergencies or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (215) 659-3334.
