Dental emergencies tend to be sudden, and this causes panic and pain. Whether it is a toothache that comes out of the blue, a chipped tooth, or a broken filling, all these can be frightening. The good news is that most dental emergencies can be prevented with preventive care. In this blog, we will discuss easy steps for dental emergency management to assist you in preventing dental emergencies before they happen so that you have good oral health and no need to go to an emergency dentist.
1. Maintain Routine Dental Visits
One of the best approaches towards preventing a dental emergency is frequent dental visits. Regular dental visits and check-ups with your nearby dentist are significant. Whether or not you find any observable signs, it becomes possible for your dentist to locate problems earlier while they haven’t yet reached their emergency level. During your visit, your dentist will check for cavities, gum disease, and other issues that can be detected early on. Early treatment is always cheaper and less painful than urgent treatment.
2. Brush and Floss Often
Your oral hygiene routine each day is key in avoiding dental emergencies. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque and food debris, lowering your risk of gum disease and cavities. Do not forget to floss every day to remove food and plaque between your teeth, where your toothbrush can miss.
3. Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
If you participate in contact sports or physical activities that may lead to blows to the mouth, a mouthguard is a requirement. A mouthguard prevents your teeth from chipping, cracking, or getting knocked out in case of an accident. It’s an easy preventive measure that may save you from having to go to an emergency dentist near you for tooth trauma.
4. Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools
Using your teeth to open packages, bottles, or other hard objects might seem convenient, but it’s risky. Your teeth aren’t designed for tasks like this and can easily break or chip when subjected to excessive force. Opening bottles with your teeth or biting down on hard objects like pens can cause cracks or chips that might require a trip to the emergency dentist.
5. Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet
What you eat plays a significant role in your oral health. Avoiding sugary snacks and acidic drinks like soda or fruit juices can help prevent tooth decay and cavities, reducing the chances of a dental emergency. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products helps strengthen your teeth and gums.
6. Treat Tooth Sensitivity Early
If you’ve been experiencing tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold items, it’s important to get it checked out by your dentist near you. Sensitivity can be a sign of gum recession, tooth decay, or worn enamel. Addressing tooth sensitivity early can prevent more serious issues from developing that could require emergency dental treatments.
7. Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly damage your teeth and gums. Smoking contributes to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. It also reduces blood flow to the gums, which makes it harder for your body to heal from dental issues. Excessive alcohol, especially when it’s sugary or acidic, can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
8. Address Teeth Grinding
If you grind your teeth, particularly when you’re asleep, you’re at risk of cracked or worn teeth. Bruxism or grinding teeth is usually connected to stress or tension, but may also be caused by it occurring while one sleeps. It has the potential to cause permanent damage to your teeth that would have to be dealt with by emergency services if neglected.
Trust Prairie Pines Dental Centre with Your Dental Care Needs
Here at Prairie Pines Dental Centre, we are experts at dealing with dental emergencies and are here to help you with any unforeseen dental problems. If you’re looking for preventive services or if you’re experiencing a dental emergency, our staff is prepared to deliver the best service.
If you need an emergency dentist in Prince Albert, don’t wait to call us today for help. We’re here to assist you in maintaining your healthy, strong smile!