“Dental emergency” is the term dentists use to describe the most serious and pressing oral health problems. Broken teeth, painful toothaches, and damaged oral appliances all fall under this category.
Most patients would prefer to do whatever they can to avoid these issues from coming to a head. While these conditions are sometimes unavoidable, there are usually steps you can take to ensure that your teeth aren’t damaged. Here’s are a few key tips for avoiding dental emergencies.
Be Diligent with Dental Hygiene
Some of the most serious oral health problems creep up slowly and are a consequence of long-term neglect. Toothaches, for example, are usually due to a combination of gum disease and tooth decay that have progressed significantly.
You can do a lot to prevent these conditions from becoming serious by controlling the buildup of plaque in your mouth, which is easiest via brushing and flossing consistently.
See Your Dentist for Regular Cleanings
However, even if you’re thorough with your dental hygiene, there are certain places in your mouth that you aren’t going to be able to reach easily. It’s very easy to start to see plaque and tartar buildup in these areas of the mouth.
This is why it’s important to see your dentist regularly for cleanings. This gives them the opportunity to break up plaque deposits in your mouth, as well as the ability to detect emerging oral health problems before they become emergencies.
Protect Your Oral Appliances
If you have dentures, braces, or another oral appliance, their breaking could absolutely constitute a serious dental emergency. You can stop this from happening by taking diligent care of your oral appliance, following the guidelines set by your dentist. You should also avoid certain foods that could damage your dental work, like hard or gummy candies.
If you’re an athlete with braces, you might also want to invest in a sports guard to protect them. Having one professionally crafted by a dentist will ensure that it’ll protect you when you need it most.
About the Author
From the time that Dr. Leeza Stein started her training at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, she has prioritized obtaining as much knowledge to help her patients, no matter their needs. As a result, she is familiar with many fields in dentistry, including endodontic (root canal treatment), Invisalign, and treatment planning, and she works with implant specialists in the area that have proven their excellence to ensure success for her patients. Would you like to discuss dental implants or other services with Dr. Stein? Contact LS Smiles online or call the Rockwall office at 972-771-2213 to schedule an appointment.