Unfortunately, dental emergencies can occur at any time so it’s impossible to be entirely prepared. It could happen during an athletic event if your mouth gets hit and knocks out a tooth, for example. Or perhaps you are simply eating your favorite food at lunch when you bite too hard and feel your dental crown chip or loosen. Experiencing a sudden oral issue like this can leave you in pain, anxious, and with a less-than-perfect smile.
Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from certain situations that might end in an emergency. While it’s not a guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen, here are 4 tips that can help you avoid a potential dental dilemma.
Tip #1: Maintain Daily Dental Hygiene
Preventative care is the best way to set yourself up for success when it comes to your teeth. You should be brushing and flossing them twice daily at a minimum. This consistently removes food debris and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. These conditions only worsen over time, if left unaddressed, which can leave your mouth weak and prone to damage. Keeping your mouth clean and healthy means it’s more resilient when things happen!
Tip #2: Wear a Mouthguard
If you’re engaging in physical activities like contact sports, team sports, martial arts, or athletic competitions then you’ll want to be sure to shield your pearly whites! A mouthguard will protect you from injury should you take a blow to the mouth. It covers your teeth to evenly distribute the force so individual teeth are less impacted.
Tip #3: Watch What You Eat
Some foods that are overly hard or sticky are somewhat notorious for causing dental problems. For example, chomping hard candy could break a tooth and/or dental work. By limiting your contact with foods known to be somewhat risky in this regard, you minimize the likelihood that you’ll end up with an emergency! Also, try to avoid excessive amounts of foods with high sugar content because they attract unwanted bacteria that can flourish and lead to other problems.
Tip #4: Schedule Regular Dental Appointments
It’s important to see your dentist once every 6 months for a checkup. They’ll examine your teeth to identify any areas of disease or decay that might need to be addressed before they worsen. Not only that, but they’ll also check any tooth restorations or replacements, like fillings, crowns, or implants to ensure everything is in good shape. Your teeth will be in their best condition and less prone to damage.
Though you can’t predict when something unpleasant might occur, you can do your best to avoid putting yourself in situations that result in an emergency. Now you can enjoy more peace of mind knowing you’re doing everything in your power to keep your mouth healthy and whole!
About the Author
Dr. Joe Ornelas earned his undergraduate degree at Purdue University followed by his doctorate at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He also has taken ongoing educational courses, so you know that you’re getting up-to-date treatments. Our dedicated dental team offers same-day appointments to get you seen quickly if you’re having an emergency. If something has happened and you need help, you are welcome to contact us on our website or by calling (219) 663-2892.