You’re having a normal day, and then – out of nowhere, a dental emergency strikes. It can be painful, stressful and time-consuming. If at all possible, wouldn’t you like to avoid this happening? Statistics show that 60% of dental emergencies are preventable. It all starts with having the right information. Here are 7 ways to protect yourself from a dental emergency!
#1 – Acknowledge any Pain
Do you notice a pain sensation when you consume certain foods or beverages? Even if this is only occasional, it could be a sign of enamel wear, tooth decay, gum infection or another problem. Thus, it’s important to contact a dentist to be examined. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with a painful dental emergency.
#2 – Practice Proper Dental Care
Ignoring the basics can definitely contribute to a dental emergency. Be sure to do the little things: brushing and flossing at least two times a day to remove bacteria and plaque growth. If you eat frequently throughout the day, you’ll want to increase your frequency to ensure that your teeth and gums are protected.
#3 – Keep Your Sugar Intake in Check
Sugar is the primary food of oral bacteria. By controlling the amount you consume, you’ll have a better chance of limiting the accumulation of new bacteria that can eat away your precious tooth enamel and cause cavity formation.
#4 – Protect Your Mouth When Playing Sports
It’s great to remain active as an adult by participating in sporting events. However, the rapid movement of people can leave you susceptible to a sudden injury. To be on the safe side, reach out to a dentist to have a custom mouthguard crafted. This will do far better than the generic kind you can purchase from your local sports store.
#5 – Don’t Ignore a Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth can not only endure further damage, but it can also welcome bacteria growth. Even if any initial pain subsides, it’s of the utmost importance to have the tooth fixed as soon as you can be seen by a dentist.
#6 – Stay Hydrated
Water does more than just hydrate your body. It also helps to rid your mouth of harmful leftover debris and bacteria that can contribute to tooth and gum decay. Additionally, drinking more water helps to maintain normal saliva production, which also helps to fortify against the attack of oral bacteria and plaque.
#7 – Commit to Regular Dental Visits
It’s recommended that you visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations. Therefore, if there are any developing issues that could eventually lead to a dental emergency, they can be identified and treated early.
The best way to treat a dental emergency is to prevent it from ever happening. The more proactive you are about your dental health, the happier and healthier you’ll be in the future!
About the Author
A graduate of the University of Toronto Dental School, Dr. Steve Margolian has been helping patients experience the absolute best in dental health for over three decades. Still, he works tirelessly to expand his knowledge by taking several hours of continuing education annually. Dr. Steve provides preventive and emergency dental care at Donlands Family Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a same-day emergency dental visit through his website.