How to Reduce the Risk of Dental Emergencies

Dentist Blog

No one can completely avoid dental emergencies. Anyone could suffer an accident that results in a broken or knocked-out tooth, and anyone may suddenly develop a toothache or jaw pain that requires an immediate visit to the emergency dentist. But the good news is that you can take preventative measures to reduce the chance you'll need these visits.

Good oral hygiene

If you keep up a good oral hygiene routine, you will be much less likely to experience sudden pain from tooth decay. Toothaches are a common reason for emergency visits, but a good regimen of daily brushing and flossing, along with a fluoride mouthwash, should keep tooth decay and gum disease to a minimum. And make sure you teach good dental habits to your children—the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that 42% of children between the ages of 5 and 10 have tooth decay in their primary teeth.

Get treatment in time

The simplest way to turn a problem into an emergency is to ignore it. You should have regular check-ups with your dentist, at least twice a year, and you should not hesitate to tell them of any problems you are experiencing or to make an extra appointment if you are worried about anything. Problems will not get better by themselves, and a small cavity that could be easily treated can become a painful infection that will require an emergency appointment and far more intensive treatment.

Use a mouth guard

Many dental emergencies happen due to sports. It is easy for a tooth to become knocked out or damaged through accidental collisions or falls. More and more athletes are using mouth guards routinely nowadays: a 2014 study showed that three-quarters of rugby players use them. Be like the professionals, and protect your teeth.

Watch what you eat

Avoid chewing very hard foods, such as ice, hard candy or popcorn. Sometimes hard kernels can find their way into your popcorn, so chew carefully if you are going to consume this food. You should also beware of using your teeth on non-food items, such as chewing on pens, opening packaging or even biting your nails. Use your teeth for chewing on food only and you will be much less likely to chip them and need emergency treatment.

If you do have an accident or if you need more information, don't hesitate to call your emergency dentist. And with a bit of prevention, you can keep these calls to a minimum.

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26 December 2018