Tips To Prevent Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies, which are defined as an injury to the teeth, gums, or jaw, can happen at any time. However, there are certain things you can do to prevent a dental emergency.

What Constitutes A Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is anything that puts your oral health at risk and needs to be addressed right away to prevent further damage or infection. These may include:

• Severe toothaches that interfere with your ability and desire to go about your usual daily activities.
• Loss of a permanent tooth due to accident or injury, which could lead to other teeth shifting out of place.
• Dislodged permanent or adult teeth if the tooth cannot be replanted in the socket.
• Abscessed teeth that extend below the gum line, which can cause pain and swell around the affected area.
• Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, etc. This can be caused by sports injuries, accidental bites, or cutting of the lip with a sharp object.
• Fractured or broken tooth caused by accidents like falls, fights, or motor vehicle accidents.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, contact your dentist as soon as possible to get immediate care and prevent further complications.

Tips To Avoid A Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is any condition that requires immediate care, such as severe oral pain or a knocked-out tooth. Most common dental emergencies include cracked or chipped teeth, broken fillings, lost crowns, and toothaches.

While some of these situations are unavoidable, many can be prevented with a little preparation and an ounce of prevention. This includes wearing mouthguards during sports or recreational activity, avoiding chewing on ice or other hard foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.

If you are experiencing any type of dental pain or discomfort, contact your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best treatment to restore your oral health.

Here are a few tips to avoid a dental emergency:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once before bed.
• Wear a custom mouthguard when playing sports to protect your teeth from injury.
• See your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. These visits can help prevent small problems from becoming larger issues.
• Eat only a balanced diet, and avoid too many salty, sugary, or acidic foods. 
• Biting and chewing on hard items like ice, pens, or other non-food items can cause chips and breaks in the teeth. Avoid chewing on ice chips, popcorn kernels, and hard candy. If you grind your teeth at night, visit your dentist about getting a night guard.

Visit Smile Makers Dental Care, 901 Sunvalley Blvd. Suite 240, Concord, CA 94520, for a professional dental checkup. Book an appointment online or call us at (925) 685-9339 for any questions or concerns related to oral health.