Four Tips To Prevent Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies may seem to occur without any warning. However, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your chances of experiencing one. Listed below are some tips you can follow to reduce the likelihood of a dental emergency.

• Brush and Floss Regularly

The best way to avoid dental problems is by practicing proper oral hygiene at home. That means brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing once per day, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. You should pay special attention to the gum line as this is where plaque tends to accumulate and harden into tartar. Plaque buildup can lead to cavities or gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis.

Practicing good oral hygiene habits will help prevent many common dental emergencies such as tooth decay, tooth loss, chipped teeth, and more. If you experience any of these issues despite practicing good oral hygiene, you should call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment so we can address the problem and help you get back on track with your healthy, beautiful smile!

• Schedule Regular Dental Hygiene Visits

Visiting the dentist every six months can keep your teeth healthy and strong, which can prevent the need for an emergency dentist visit. During your checkup, you will receive a thorough teeth cleaning and examination from your dentist. Cleaning can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup between visits. Your dentist can evaluate the health of your gums and teeth and spot any potential problems before they develop into an emergency situation. Annual x-rays allow us to check for signs of hidden tooth decay, bone loss, or other problems that may not yet be causing you pain or discomfort but could become a problem in the future, such as impacted wisdom teeth. You can schedule your next appointment with us before you leave or do it online.

Even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms right now, it’s important to keep up with your preventive care appointments because undetected decay can progress to the point that it can no longer be treated without more extensive procedures like root canal therapy or tooth extraction.

How often you visit the dentist is highly individual based on your own unique needs, so if you have questions about your recommended schedule, it’s a good idea to ask your dental hygienist or dentist at your next appointment.

• Eat Right 

Keeping your teeth clean is the best way to prevent tooth decay and maintain your oral health. In addition to brushing and flossing, you should also limit how much sugar you eat. Sugary foods and drinks can erode enamel and contribute to decay. Instead, pay attention to including plenty of fruits, vegetables, cheese, milk, etc., in your daily diet. 

• Wear A Mouthguard

In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, you should also protect your oral health by wearing mouthguards when playing sports or sleeping at night. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, you should talk to your dentist about wearing a nightguard to protect your teeth from this habit. Mouthguards and nightguards are inexpensive pieces of protective gear that can prevent serious dental problems down the road.

If you have concerns about dental health or wish to learn more tips to improve your oral health, visit Elan Dental or call us at (919) 556-6761 and schedule an appointment.