Dental emergencies can be among the most serious and painful ordeals you will experience. It is important to always have a plan in place just in case. This means knowing how to cope with traumatic events and having an emergency dentist in mind. Dental emergencies can not only be painful but costly as well. With caution and preventative measures, they can be avoided. Here are 4 tips on how to prevent dental emergencies.
1. Regular oral care
This is the best and most important way to avoid unnecessary dental emergencies. Regular brushing and flossing will keep your mouth clean and free of cavities that can become severe if left untreated. This cannot be overstated because it is the easiest way to maintain oral health. Regular visits to the dentist are also essential to preventing an emergency. Going in for a checkup or cleaning is less painful and costly than visiting the dentist when you notice there is a problem.
2. Mindful chewing
This may sound like a no brainer, but avoid chewing on anything that could cause your teeth to crack. Be mindful of what you are eating and how you are eating it. Things like ice, hard candy or popcorn kernels can cause cracks in your teeth. Once the tooth is cracked, it is easy for bacteria to accumulate inside the crack causing severe pain and even an abscess in some instances. Staying aware of what you are chewing on can save you pain and money in the long run.
3. Protective gear
It only takes one wrong move to damage, crack or even lose a tooth, which can be painful and costly. If you participate in contact sports or other physical activities, such as rock climbing or mountain biking, consider a mouth guard. Mouth guards can either be custom-made by your dentist to fit your mouth or purchased as a “boil and bite” in drugstores. Both of these are great options to prevent accidental tooth damage. This tip is especially important for children, who tend to be less cautious, and more prone to damaging newly developed adult teeth.
4. Take vitamins
This tip may surprise you, but part of oral health and health in general depends on getting enough of the right vitamins so your mouth can protect itself. Different vitamins have different benefits for your mouth and can be found in your diet or in supplements. Vitamin A and B complex vitamins are responsible for healthy gums. Deficiencies in these vitamins can cause gingivitis as well as inhibit your ability to fight gum disease. As most of us know already, Vitamin C is one of the best defenses for our immune system, and this is also true for oral health. Studies show those who consume less than the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C are 25 percent more likely to develop gum disease. Vitamin D is important to ensure your teeth do not become loose in the sockets. You can take individual supplements to fulfill your daily requirements of these vitamins, or take a multi vitamin and make sure you get them all!
Prevention is the best way to avoid dental emergencies, but accidents and problems can happen at any time. If you are unable to prevent a problem and are in need of an emergency dentist, call us today at (702) 388-8888. Our offices are open seven days a week with extended hours to help with any dental emergency you may experience.
