While some dental emergencies happen unexpectedly and hard to prevent, there are certain things anyone can do to reduce the risk of needing an emergency dentist visit. It is helpful to implement good oral care habits to prevent the need for an emergency visit and protect oral health long-term.
Every individual should assess their own oral health, daily habits and daily routines to determine ways in which they might be at risk of needing an emergency dentist visit. However, there are common tips that everyone can implement to reduce risk. The following are four ways to help avoid an emergency dentist visit.
First and foremost, good oral hygiene is essential. It is important for preventing issues such as severe sensitivity, cavities and oral infections, which can lead to an emergency dentist visit. Good oral hygiene also protects long-term health and significantly reduces the risk of losing teeth prematurely. In practicing good oral hygiene, establish a consistent and thorough oral care routine that involves brushing several times a day, flossing regularly and using mouthwash as directed by a dentist.
Good oral hygiene prevents more predictable issues that can cause a dental emergency. However, many emergency dentist visits are prompted by unexpected damage. To reduce the risk of issues such as cracked, chipped and knocked-out teeth, wear a protective mouthguard. Most notably, individuals should consider wearing a mouthguard while playing sports and participating in activities in which a blow to the face is possible (baseball, weightlifting, etc.). For those who have issues of grinding teeth while sleeping, wearing a nightguard can help as well.
A more subtle issue that leads to many emergency dentist visits is chewing ice. Many have a habit of chewing ice as they drink, but it can damage teeth over time. In some instances, it can cause a tooth to suddenly chip or crack, leading to an emergency dentist visit. Of course, it is not fair to only single out ice. Other things people often chew can damage teeth as well, including hard candies and even fingernails.
Sugar is a carbohydrate that can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay. Every person has bacteria that naturally occur inside the mouth. When the bacteria combines with sugar and other carbohydrates, it creates an acidic reaction that can breakdown tooth enamel and leads to cavities and an increased risk of an oral infection. If the issue worsens over time, the patient may experience significant sensitivity or pain that calls for an emergency dentist visit. By reducing sugar intake, drinking water throughout each day and practicing good oral hygiene, the risk is greatly reduced.
Whether you suffered a dental emergency and need prompt treatment or want more insights on how to prevent tooth damage, we encourage you to reach out to our emergency dentist team today via phone or email.
Request an appointment here: https://palmbeachdentalspa.com or call Palm Beach Dental Spa at (561) 688-7933 for an appointment in our West Palm Beach office.
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