11 Ways to Prevent
a Dental Emergency
We tend to take a healthy mouth for granted until something goes wrong, but unfortunately, unless you look after your dental health, it’s likely that you will require emergency dental care at some point. If you have ever experienced a dental emergency or severe tooth pain, you’ll know it can be extremely upsetting and even a little frightening, and especially if you have a young child who is in pain. One way you can help to prevent dental emergencies is by becoming better informed. When you know the type of symptoms to look for, and when to seek emergency care, it’s a lot less frightening, and you’ll cope far better.
When a Hectic Lifestyle Gets in the Way of Regular Dental Care
Frequently, dental emergencies can be avoided with a regular routine of preventative oral care, but all too often, a hectic life can get in the way! Many people struggle to see the dentist regularly, and especially moms with young families who are busy juggling their kids’ schedules with their own, so dental appointments take a backseat. A dental emergency can make things even worse, throwing plans out of whack, creating new chaos and stress for a family.
Focusing on Your Wellbeing
Unfortunately, busy moms will often focus entirely on their family’s health and wellbeing neglecting their own. If you are a mom and this sounds familiar, consider the fact that dental emergencies can cost much more money than regular preventative dental care. Also, the treatments required are frequently longer and could be even harder to fit into everyday life. The time spent searching online for home remedies for toothache could be better spent seeing your dentist sooner. The good news is that often some dental emergencies are preventable, and it is simply a matter of knowing the signs and symptoms and being aware of how to look after your oral health.
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Luckily, there are lots of ways you can avoid the need for emergency dental services, and there is some helpful advice listed below.
1. Notice any persistent dental pain or changes to your teeth, your gums or mouth tissues.
For example, a nagging toothache could be a sign that you have a cavity, or that a filling is leaking or crumbling. Tooth pain is always a signal that something is wrong, but if it disappears, it may be tempting to ignore it. Please don’t, as a severe tooth infection can sometimes kill the tooth nerve, so it seems as if the infection has disappeared when this is impossible without professional dental care. The sooner you see a dentist, the more likely your tooth can be saved.
Also, be aware of any changes to your gums or your oral tissues which are the inside of your cheeks and lips, the roof and floor of your mouth and your tongue. Any injuries, mouth sores or a mouth ulcer that fails to heal properly require professional investigation.
2. Maintain an excellent oral care regime at home
Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day. It’s better to brush your teeth as soon as you get up in the morning and last thing at night.
When you brush your teeth, brush them for at least two minutes as this will allow adequate time to ensure every tooth surface is cleaned thoroughly.
Electric toothbrushes are great because they have built-in timers, but if you use a manual brush keep a small timer in the bathroom or use your smartphone.
3. Replace your toothbrush regularly
Usually every two or three months or more frequently if it begins to look worn or splayed.
Electric toothbrush heads usually have built-in wear indicators, so it’s easy to see when it’s time to ditch your toothbrush.
If your toothbrush is worn, it will not clean your teeth effectively, and it’s a false economy as a new brush or brush head only costs a few dollars.
4. Interdental cleaning is a must
and dental floss is a traditional and straightforward way to clean in between your teeth, but otherwise, try interdental brushes or soft picks, or purchase a Waterpik.
Failing to regularly floss leaves approximately one-third of your tooth surfaces uncleaned and greatly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Dentists can always tell who flosses regularly and who doesn’t! If you find it tricky to clean in between your teeth, ask your dentist or hygienist for help and advice.
5. Reduce the amount of sugar you eat daily
and look at the times you enjoy sugary treats. When you frequently snack on sugary foods, it increases acidity in your mouth.
This is because bacteria naturally present in the mouth use these sugars for energy, producing a weak acid as a by-product. The acid attacks your tooth enamel, weakening it by removing some essential minerals.
Repeated acid attacks will cause more damage to your tooth enamel, eventually resulting in cavities. It takes half an hour to an hour after eating for pH levels to normalize. Instead of snacking on sweet treats, include them as part of your main meal as your mouth, reducing the amount of time your mouth is acidic and the potential damage to your teeth.
6. Make sure your entire family is registered with a good dental office
and that you attend all recall appointments. To make this easier, check your dental office is close to home or work and has hours that will fit in with your work/life schedule.
Also, check it has plenty of parking or is close to public transport. The easier it is for you to visit your dentist, the more likely you are to attend.
7. Wear a protective mouthguard while you play sport
and make sure your children wear mouthguards too. Every year, dentists see many dental injuries caused by contact and some non-contact sports.
If there’s a risk you could take a blow to the mouth while playing sports, it’s worth wearing a mouthguard! Dental injuries can cause chips or cracks, or in the worst case can knock out teeth. The cost of restorative dental treatment can run into thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
A custom-made, sports mouthguard provides the ultimate protection for your teeth, reducing your risk of dental injuries. It’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t obstruct breathing.
8. Address your fear of the dentist if you have deep-seated phobias and anxieties.
This is a widespread problem, and you’ll find most dental offices are extremely sympathetic and welcoming and can help you overcome these issues.
Make sure your dental office is oriented toward providing more care for nervous patients as they will talk to you to discover the reason for your fears.
Any dental treatment needed can be given at a pace you feel comfortable. Also, some people find it useful to explore relaxation or meditation techniques before appointments.
9. Bring your children along for dental appointments.
Good dental care should start early, as the sooner a child becomes accustomed to seeing the dentist, the less likely they are to develop fears and phobias. Excellent ongoing dental care can prevent childhood tooth decay.
Your child’s dentist will most likely recommend other treatments to protect young teeth and which include fluoride varnish to harden and strengthen tooth enamel.
Dental sealants are a wonderful treatment for protecting the chewing surfaces of adult back teeth. These surfaces are particularly vulnerable to tooth decay, and dental sealants are best applied soon after they emerge.
11. Finally, make sure you remain well hydrated.
This may seem elementary, but lots of people don’t drink enough water. Your body needs plenty of water so it can produce enough saliva to maintain oral health.
Saliva is a protective fluid that helps your mouth to maintain a more neutral pH, and it washes away excess food particles, old skin cells, and bacteria. Also, saliva contains specific minerals that help to protect your teeth, reducing your risk of tooth decay.
Your First Visit
When you first visit a brand-new dental office, they will conduct an in-depth examination of your mouth, but they will also need details about your medical history. It’s essential to ensure your dentist has a complete medical history that includes a list of all over-the-counter and prescription medications used.
This is because many health conditions will also affect your oral health, and especially problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Also, the medicines you use can affect the treatments recommended by your dentist. When your dentist has your complete medical history, they can tailor your treatment plan to reduce your risk of dental problems, so you are less likely to need emergency dental services.
