Preventing dental emergencies is essential to maintaining a healthy smile and avoiding painful situations. Sometimes visiting emergency dentistry near you might be necessary due to a toothache that occurred at night, a broken tooth, and many other reasons. Knowing what constitutes a dental emergency and how to handle it can help reduce the risk of tooth damage.
Tips to Prevent Dental Emergency
Here are a few tips that will assist in the prevention of dental emergencies:
Brush and Floss Regularly
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once in one day, as it helps to eliminate plaque and food particles from the mouth. Sometimes these plaque and food particles may result in cavities and periodontal infection. So brush and floss regularly to prevent dental issues.
Use a Mouthguard
Consider using a mouthguard if you participate in sports where the likelihood of an injury to your mouth is high. A mouthguard cushions teeth and gums, protecting them from injury.
Do Not Chew Hard Objects
Avoid chewing hard foods such as ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, as they can cause teeth to crack or chip.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are key to preventing most oral infections and disorders. Visiting the dentist regularly helps catch dental issues early before they become more serious.
Have a Balanced Diet
For your overall well-being, choose a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those that can help prevent tooth decay. Limit sugary foods and drinks and avoid acidic foods.
Don’t Ignore Dental Problems
If you have mild pain, sensitivity, or swelling in your mouth, do not ignore it. If detected early, most dental concerns can be prevented from becoming emergencies.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene involves brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Regularly changing your toothbrush and brushing your tongue to reduce bacteria will help keep your dental health in check.
What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency?
If you ever find yourself in a dental emergency, here are some tips that will help you during difficult situations:
Remain Calm
The most important thing during a dental emergency is to stay calm. Take a deep breath and focus on what needs to be done next. Panicking will only make things worse, so try to stay composed.
Contact Your Dentist
If you have a toothache or lose a tooth due to an injury, contact your dentist right away. They will guide you on what to do next and might ask you to come in for an appointment. If the clinic is closed, look for a practice that has a same-day dentist appointment.
Handle the Situation Conveniently
Depending on the dental issue, you might need to handle it differently before you visit the dentist. Here are some tips that will help you handle different dental emergencies:
- Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water; gently floss around the tooth to remove the food and bacteria. Do not use other pain relievers on your gums since it can irritate them.
- Knocked out: If your tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown and gently rinse it with water if it’s dirty. Try to place it back in its socket. If that’s not possible, put the tooth in milk or salt water to keep it moist, and see the dentist as soon as you can.
- Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and keep broken tooth pieces in warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek and call your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible.
- Lost filling or crown: Use dental filling from a pharmacy to temporarily fix it until you visit your dentist. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where you have lost filling or crown.
- Bleeding gums: Rinse the mouth with warm salt water and gently press a clean cloth over the bleeding area. If bleeding continues, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately for emergency dental care.
Visit a Dentist
Once you’ve dealt with the dental emergency, you need to visit a dentist to resolve the problem. Dentists will evaluate the problem and offer the required treatment for its fixation.
A dental emergency can be both painful and scary, but knowing the right steps to take can help ease the stress. Stay calm, contact your dentist right away, and take good care of your teeth and gums.
Contact Us Immediately If You Have A Dental Emergency!
At NorthPointe Dental Clinic, we offer quality dental care to patients of all ages. Our team of dentist in Country Hills understands your concern and provides you with the right care and advice. Contact us today to fix your dental issue!