How to Prevent a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is an issue that affects the mouth and requires immediate treatment. These are injuries and diseases that tend to happen at the most unexpected times. Most dental emergencies are traumatic experiences, so getting fast treatment often brings pain relief. Common dental issues that are classified as emergencies include:

• A tooth that has been knocked out
• A tooth infection
• A tooth that has been damaged by hard contact
• Blood coming from inside a tooth
• Excruciating pain after a tooth has been damaged
• A pimple on the gums, which is usually a sign of an infection

Simple things that can prevent a dental emergency 

1. Good oral hygiene

This is one of the most important things a person can do to reduce the odds of a dental emergency occurring. A person's teeth are less likely to be damaged by trauma or develop an issue that threatens their health if they are healthy and strong.

However, teeth that have already been weakened by decay or gum disease are more susceptible to dental emergencies like becoming loose, falling out or getting infected. A good oral hygiene routine includes brushing at least two times daily and flossing once per day. Use an antibacterial mouthwash for even more protection.

2. Keeping teeth properly mineralized

A tooth's enamel is stronger than any bone, but it is constantly being attacked by acids. These acids slowly eat away at the enamel over time. The body needs essential minerals like fluoride and calcium to keep teeth strong and healthy. These can be obtained from dairy products, green leafy vegetables and using products that contain fluoride. With the enamel healthy, the tooth is less susceptible to decay and infection. It is also able to withstand a greater amount of force.

3. Break silly habits

Teeth are not designed for biting on nails, opening packages or chewing on hard things like ice. This can damage a tooth's outer layer, making it more vulnerable to an infection and tooth decay. Habits like these can also cause dental emergencies. Chew on something hard enough and it can cause a tooth to come out of its socket or break. Make it a priority to break any habits that can lead to a dental emergency.

4. Wear a mouth guard

Trauma during sports is responsible for its share of knocked out, fractured and broken teeth, so try to use protection like a mouth guard or a helmet. This helps to reduce the impact of any blows to the face during sports.

5. Visit a dentist biannually

Regular visits to the dentist mean issues are noticed before they lead to dental emergencies. The patient also gets their teeth cleaned, and that removes tartar from teeth surfaces. Tartar facilitates tooth decay, which can severely damage a tooth and lead to an infection.

Prevention is always better

Preventing a dental emergency is a lot cheaper than getting treatment for one. Stop by our San Antonio office to learn more about preventing dental emergencies or getting treatment for one.

Request an appointment here: https://www.preferreddentalcenter.com or call Preferred Dental Center at (210) 822-8500 for an appointment in our San Antonio office.

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