Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is a sudden, unexpected dental problem that requires immediate attention. Some common dental emergencies are tooth fractures, toothaches, and knocked-out teeth. Here are common ways to prevent this scenario:

Brush and Floss Daily

This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent dental emergencies. Daily brushing removes plaque from your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities. Brushing also keeps your gums healthy by getting rid of bacteria that can infect them. Plaque that remains on your teeth can harden into tartar which irritates the gums and can lead to gum disease.

Flossing daily removes the plaque between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps avoid problems like cavities, gingivitis, and even tooth loss.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

If you schedule your preventive visits twice per year, you’ll likely be able to avoid many common oral health problems. These appointments are crucial for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and clean, and they help detect any issues early on when they are simpler to treat. Your dentist will also be able to clean your teeth thoroughly and give you tips on keeping a clean and healthy smile.

Know Your Medication List

Be sure to review your medications with your dentist and physician for proper dosage and safety. Many common over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirins, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium, can irritate the gum tissues. If you are taking a prescribed medication that prevents your blood from clotting, make sure to inform your dentist before any oral surgery. 

Avoid Chewing Ice or Popcorn Kernels

If you chew on ice, you can cause your teeth to crack and chip, leading to more extensive dental work than a simple filling. Popcorn kernels are also bad for your tooth enamel because the outer covering is very hard and can crack a tooth upon impact. These small cracks can eventually turn into larger cracks and fractures in teeth that require a dental crown.

Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports

Wearing a custom-fit mouthguard while playing sports is a great way to prevent oral injuries and reduce the risk of losing a tooth or getting a knocked-out tooth. A custom-made mouthguard will fit better and be more comfortable than a generic one you can find at the store. That’s because it will be made from impressions of your mouth, so the fit will be precise, making it more effective at absorbing the impact of a hit that might otherwise cause your teeth to move or crack.

Many dentists offer custom mouthguards as a courtesy for patients like you who play sports. Follow their instructions about caring for your custom mouthguard and wearing it during games to ensure that you get the most out of it and don’t end up needing an emergency appointment for cracked or broken teeth.

Avoid Oral Piercings

Oral jewelry can lead to chipped teeth, cracked fillings, and even tooth loss. The metal used in these adornments can be sharp enough to damage teeth and soft tissues. Once the tooth is injured, bacteria can enter the crack and cause an infection. An infection like this may require root canal treatment, and the tooth may eventually fall out or need to be pulled. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can shift and lead to malocclusion (bad bite) and the need for orthodontic treatment.

Schedule an appointment with us at Silver Summit Dental by calling us at (801) 542-0998 or visiting our office at 5734 13400 S, Herriman, UT, 84096.