Accidental dental damage

Posted on: 12 August 2022

Dental emergencies are not unusual. They can occur anywhere at any time. Sports, accidents, food, injuries, etc., are some typical causes of dental emergencies. Generally, your reaction to dental emergencies is critical because it can make all the difference in the treatment outcome. Dental injuries and emergencies can be inevitable sometimes. However, you can always take practical steps to avoid or reduce the risks of dental emergencies. Unfortunately, many people have little to no idea what to do to prevent dental emergencies. Here are four things you can do.

Maintain Proper Regular Oral/Dental Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is one of the surest ways to prevent dental emergencies. Generally, accidents or injuries are not the only causes of dental emergencies. Others are a result of infections. Bacteria can accumulate quickly and affect your gum's health if food debris or particles are left unattended. Therefore, make it a habit to brush and floss regularly, preferably after meals. As you brush and floss, remember to do it properly and thoroughly. For instance, ensure you brush for the recommended amount of time. You can always contact your dentist for the specifics. And to help you maintain the proper timing, consider using electric toothbrushes. Most of them have timers to help you brush your teeth adequately. In addition, remember to replace your toothbrush regularly.

Be Wary Of Persistent Dental Issues

Persistent dental issues could be a sign of imminent dental emergencies. Therefore, be keen to identify any ongoing dental issues. For instance, toothaches are some of the most common symptoms of an underlying dental problem, like a tooth cavity. And while the pain may be fleeting in the initiatory stages, ignoring it may leave you with a severe tooth infection. It would be best also to inspect your gums, lips, and teeth regularly. Consider seeing a dentist as soon as you notice any changes, regardless of how small they appear.

Watch Your Diet

Your diet plays a critical role in your overall health. And when it comes to dental health, some foods and drinks can be bad for your teeth and general dental and oral health. For instance, sugary and acidic drinks and beverages can soften your teeth's enamel, making them more sensitive and susceptible to infections and decay. Therefore, limiting your intake of such drinks can go a long way in preventing dental emergencies resulting from tooth infections.

Biting too hard on hard and crunchy foods is one of the quickest ways to get chipped and cracked teeth, which can be an emergency depending on the severity. Therefore, limit your consumption of such foods or be mindful when chewing them.

Use Mouthguards

Vigorous sports with a high likelihood of falling or absorbing heavy blows to your mouth can easily lead to avulsed teeth and other dental emergencies. Therefore, don't forget your mouthguard if you participate in such sports.  

For more information, contact an emergency dentist near you.