No one wakes up thinking that they will end up at a dentist’s office for an emergency consultation, right? Unfortunately, dental emergencies are quite common, and many of them often lead to permanent teeth loss or other severe consequences.
Preventive care is the best way to give your teeth a long healthy life. Many people don’t know that a dental emergency saves accidents and can be avoided by simply observing a few lifestyle habits. That said, let’s look at some common problems that may have you seeing an emergency dentist and eight tips to help you avoid them.
What Are Some Issues That Require Emergency Dental Care Hanford, CA?
Dentists usually see patients for three things: routine care, cosmetic procedures, and emergencies. Some issues that may need you to get emergency dental care immediately include:Â
- Broken or Chipped Teeth
- Knocked-Out Teeth
- Mouth Infections (abscess)Â
- Broken Braces
- Dental Pain
- Swelling or Bleeding GumsÂ
8 Tips That Will Save You a Trip to an Emergency Dentist
As explained earlier, emergency dental care visits can be avoided. But you have to be ready to take care of your teeth at home actively. To help you get started, here are eight handy tips you should consider:
Practice Regular Oral CareÂ
Problems like tooth decay and cavities are often a result of poor oral care. So, the simplest way to avoid that dreaded visit to an emergency dentist for tooth extraction is to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
Do it in the morning and evening after your last meal of the day. If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, you can set a timer on your phone. Make sure you get in between your teeth, too, where plague is likely to form by flossing or using an interdental brush regularly.
Frequent flossing will remove a good chunk of what you remain behind from what you eat – even if you brush.Â
Wear a Mouth Guard When Playing Contact Sports
If you play a contact sport, the chances of getting dental trauma increase tenfold. One wrong move and you could be visiting an emergency dentist for anything from a cracked to a knocked-out tooth.
So, before you get into that pitch or ring, ensure you have a mouthguard on. The same goes for outdoor physical activities such as biking and rock climbing. You can buy a mouthguard from your local drugstore or have your Hanford dentist custom-make it for you.
Mind What You ChewÂ
Practice mindful chewing, which is keeping off anything that could crack or break your teeth. So, it’s not just about what you pick and put in your mouth, but also how you eat it.
Remember, a cracked tooth can act as an entryway for harmful bacteria that may cause major tooth infections. So, think twice the next time you want to chew on an ice cube or piece of candy. If you have any cracks, set an appointment with an emergency dentist immediately at a trusted dental center in Hanford, CA.
Take Any Persistent Teeth, Gum, or Mouth Tissue Pain Seriously
Persistent tooth pain can point to a more serious issue like a cavity or leaking filling. Even if the pain keeps disappearing after a while, it’s best to seek professional dental care as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving your tooth. Also, watch out for any new developments in your oral tissues, whether in the lips and inner cheeks, top or floor of your mouth, or the tongue.
If you have ulcers or sores in your mouth or gums that do not go away after a few days, make an appointment with an emergency dentist to have them examined professionally.
Get a New High-Quality Toothbrush RegularlyÂ
When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush?
Buying a new toothbrush every so often is an excellent way to prevent a dental emergency. Dental experts across the board agree on replacing a toothbrush every 2-3 months or as soon as you notice signs of wear or splay.
After all, a worn-out or splayed toothbrush won’t do that good a job of cleaning your teeth, which means you’ll be at risk of needing emergency dental service. If you have an electronic toothbrush, its wear indicator should show you when you need to get a new one.
Pick Your Meals WiselyÂ
Candy, crackers, sugar, and starchy foods are bad for your teeth (and for your overall health, too) and can lead to a dental emergency. So, if you can’t completely quit them, include them in your diet but only in small amounts.
Drinks such as coffee, soda, alcohol, and fruit juice should also be sparingly taken if you want to avoid tooth extraction problems. Try as much as possible to avoid eating hard and crunchy foods to avoid weakening and even breaking your teeth.Â
Take Gum Friendly SupplementsÂ
A daily dose of the right vitamins can go a long way in keeping your gums healthy and your teeth strong. So, as you pick up your supplements, add the right vitamins for your teeth too. Some of these include Vitamins A, B, C, D, and calcium. Alternatively, you can go for a multi-vitamin that has all these vitamins.Â
Visit a Dental Center Routinely
It’s best to visit a dental center at least twice a year for a routine examination and clean-up. Your dentist is a trained professional, meaning they have the right knowledge and tools for eliminating plaque deposits that you can’t clean with normal brushing. No one would like to see the dentist but avoiding the visits puts you at risk of cavities and gum infections.
The dental center will also check your oral cavity for symptoms of diseases and other issues. If everything checks out, they’ll offer preventive care guidance on how you can keep your teeth in excellent condition. On the other hand, if they detect an issue and provide preemptive treatment.
Visit a Good Dental Office in Hanford, CA When a Dental Emergency Arises
Those eight tips mentioned above will help you avoid common dental emergencies. However, you can only be sure that you are okay and safe from a dental issue when your local dentist gives you a clean bill of health. Dr. Jack Nagrani Dentistry is all about gentle and compassionate dental care. We provide a comprehensive examination of your teeth and treatment of any underlying problems that cause severe tooth pain or discomfort. We also offer dental emergency care for our Hanford family.
Avoid a dental emergency by booking an appointment with Jack Nagrani Dental practice in Hanford, CA. Give us a call today at 559-422-6027!