Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly and can range from minor inconveniences to severe issues requiring immediate attention. While some emergencies are unavoidable, there are several preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of experiencing a dental mishap.
If you want to learn some ways you can protect yourself from dental emergencies, continue reading.
Good Oral Hygiene
Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can prevent common dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. These issues can lead to emergencies if left untreated causing pain and even tooth loss.
Wear a Mouthguard for Physical Activities
If you participate in contact sports or activities with a risk of facial injury, wearing a mouthguard is important. Even a simple boil-and-bite mouthguard can protect your teeth and mouth from trauma. However, for the best protection, try to find a custom-fitted mouthguard that can help prevent broken or knocked-out teeth.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open bottles, tear open packages, or bite down on hard objects can land you at the emergency dentist. Chipped and cracked teeth are some of the most common dental injuries and can quickly turn into emergencies if they become infected. Always use the right tools for tasks to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your teeth.
Take Care of Business
If you experience any dental issues such as tooth pain, sensitivity, or facial swelling, don’t ignore them. Even if tooth pain goes away, the underlying cause is still there. Seek professional dental care as soon as you can to prevent minor problems from turning into issues requiring urgent treatment.
By following these strategies for preventing dental emergencies, you can take steps now to safeguard your oral health. This will minimize your risk for the foreseeable future and help you keep your smile happy. When all else fails, have a plan in place to get to your dentist quickly so they can keep your oral health in check.
About the Practice
Looking for an emergency dentist with same-day appointments? Contact the talented dental team at Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics. They know that dental emergencies are frightening and sometimes serious. That’s why they provide same-day emergency appointments to get you in quickly and treat your pain. Call (972) 393-7348 to schedule an emergency dental appointment, or visit the website to explore their full menu of other services.