6 Tips to Avoid a Dental Emergency

If you have ever experienced a dental emergency, then you know just how stressful they can be. It is difficult to make important decisions when you are in a lot of pain and don’t know what steps to take next. It is better to avoid dental emergencies in the first place with prevention measures. Continue reading to learn some tips to keep you from experiencing surprise dental issues in the near future.

Notice Any Changes

If you find yourself feeling pain in your mouth or a toothache suddenly disappears without cause, this is definitely something that you should bring up to your dentist. When you catch changes early on, you can have them treated before they become more serious. For instance, if you have tooth pain that goes away, this could be a sign that an infection has killed the nerve onside of your teeth. When you see your dentist as soon as possible, they will be more likely to save your tooth.

Excellent Oral Hygiene

You should be brushing your teeth twice and flossing at least once every single day in order to maintain excellent oral hygiene. This helps to clear away plaque, food debris, and bacteria from your teeth and gums so that you don’t develop oral health problems, like cavities and gingivitis.

Cut Back on Sugar

When you eat and drink sugary things, the bacteria in your mouth will feed off of it and release a weak acid as a byproduct. This is what attacks your protective enamel by taking away essential minerals. In the end, you are more likely to experience sensitivity and tooth decay. If you do have a sugary treat, include it in a meal in order to reduce the amount of time that your teeth are vulnerable to damage.

Use a Mouthguard

Do you like to participate in sports in order to stay active? Exercise is essential for you to stay healthy, but contact sports can put your smile at risk. Be sure that you are always wearing a mouthguard if you are at risk of receiving a blow to the mouth.

Stay Hydrated

You have to drink plenty of water so that you remain hydrated enough to produce an adequate amount of saliva. This liquid is necessary in order to wash away food debris and maintain the pH level of your mouth. It also contains the minerals needed in order to protect your teeth.

See Your Dentist

You should be seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, even if you are an excellent brusher and flosser at home. Your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that has been left behind. Your dentist will check for issues so that they can be treated before becoming more serious.

You certainly don’t want to be caught off guard with a dental emergency. By following the tips listed above, you can keep your smile safe and healthy!

About the Author

Dr. Aaron Springhetti earned his dental doctorate from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has received an extensive amount of advanced training, especially in oral surgery. Currently, he is pursuing accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. For more ways to keep your smile safe or to schedule an appointment at his office in Carmel, visit his website or call (317) 875-7645.