Dental emergencies can be incredibly stressful. If a toothache suddenly awakens you from a deep sleep or your tooth is damaged while playing a sport, the pain can possibly cause you shed a tear or two. When this happens, your best bet is to contact your emergency dentist, but an even better plan is to avoid this issue altogether! Read on to learn 3 ways you can prevent sudden dental issues from occurring.
Use a Mouthguard
Playing sports with a dental guard in is one of the best ways to prevent a broken or knocked-out tooth. One study found that about 39 percent of all dental injuries are sports-related. Regardless of what kind of sport you play, protecting your teeth with a dental guard is one of the best ways to avoid a dental emergency. When considering the costs of restorative dentistry and the pain you could experience, wearing a mouthguard is definitely worth it.
Stay Aware of Any Oral Changes
A toothache doesn’t spring up for no reason. You may have a cavity, a dental infection or a filling that is starting to decay. Over-the-counter medication can help manage the pain, but that does not mean your tooth pain should be ignored. Without treatment, you may develop a dental infection that results in you needing a root canal, a tooth extraction or a more serious health issue like sepsis or a stroke. At the first sign or symptom of any changes to your any oral discomfort, including slightly swollen gums, oral sores that don’t heal and loose teeth, you should contact your dentist immediately.
Practice Proper Dental Care
According to the American Dental Association, brushing twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing at least once a day is a great way to remove plaque and bacteria and keep your teeth healthy. But statistics from the Academy of General Dentistry show that most Americans only brush their teeth for a total of 45 to 70 seconds each day! The less plaque and bacteria that remains on your teeth, the healthier your smile will get.
Keeping your smile healthy and taking steps to protect your teeth can help you prevent a dreaded dental emergency from occurring. Make good choices when it comes to your oral health and eating healthy foods are sure to keep your smile bright and healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Dorian Tetelman and his team of dentists are committed to helping every patient achieve their ideal smile. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry in 1995 and has been transforming smile ever since. Dr. Tetelman has an extensive background in full mouth restorations and many other complex dental conditions. Additional services they offer include general dentistry, emergency dentistry and more. If you find yourself dealing with a dental emergency, contact Dr. Tetelman’s office at (212) 319-0090 or visit the website to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.