While it is always a good idea to have an emergency dentist on call, individuals can avoid a dental emergency and all the pain, cost and hassle that comes with one by taking preventative measures. In many cases, this simply entails adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
Dental emergencies, which range from toothache to fractured teeth to abscesses, can be painful and costly. Many dental emergencies also come with the high risk of severe gum bleeding and even tooth loss. For these reasons and more, patients should take precautions to prevent dental emergencies from occurring entirely.
One of the easiest ways patients can avoid dental emergencies is by practicing good oral hygiene. The majority of dental emergencies involve severe tooth decay and rot, both of which can lead to dental abscesses, broken or chipped teeth, jaw bone deterioration and tooth loss. Regular brushing and flossing, paired with routine dental visits, can help keep the mouth clean and clear of bacteria and decay-causing cavities.
Stress can take a toll on all aspects of a person’s health, including dental health. Stress often causes individuals to engage in activities that can either cause or exacerbate existing oral health issues. Such activities include chewing on pens and other objects, clenching the jaw, nail-biting and teeth grinding. Each of these activities can crack or weaken the teeth or stress the nerves in the back of the jaw.
Many people try to stop engaging in these stress-related habits by adopting other forms of stress relief. Others find it is easier to tackle the source of the stress so that there is no desire to engage in the habits.
Certain foods, like certain habits, can damage the teeth if a person is not careful. Ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy are all examples of foods people commonly chew that can crack, chip or even break the teeth. Once a tooth becomes cracked, bacteria can easily enter the fissure and hide there, away from floss or a toothbrush. That bacteria can lead to cavities, tooth rot or, in some cases, a dental abscess. Avoiding hard foods may prove to be difficult at first, but doing so is well worth the self-control, as avoidance can prevent costly and painful dental emergencies.
Many dental emergencies occur during sporting events. Individuals who participate in sports, especially contact sports, should wear mouthguards to absorb heavy blows to the mouth and protect the teeth from sustaining damage.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Peabody, MA.
Biannual dental examinations and cleanings are necessary to detect possible problems early on and to prevent issues from becoming more costly or extensive than they need to be. Additionally, a dentist can remove stubborn plaque, which can cause decay, as well as provide advice for what patients can do to reverse early dental carries.
Avoiding the need for the care of an emergency dentist does not have to be difficult. By following the above advice, you can protect your teeth and avoid a possibly costly and painful dental situation.
Request an appointment or call Northside Dental Care, PC at 978-206-7077 for an appointment in our Peabody office.
An emergency dentist is a particular type of dental professional who undergoes additional education and training to learn how to deal with urgent and emergency situations. While emergency dentists do learn how to provide general dentistry care, they also learn how to think and act on the spot when an emergency happens. In most cases,…
Wondering whether a damaged tooth constitutes a dental emergency? Read on to find out. A damaged tooth may be considered a dental emergency if it causes severe and borderline intolerable discomfort (pain, swelling, sensitivity), causes a severe cosmetic issue, or is at risk of worsening complications, such as the loss of the tooth or the…
In most cases, visiting an emergency dentist for a mild toothache is not necessary. Most toothaches can be controlled with home care until an appointment with a regular dentist can be made. However, there are times when a toothache may warrant an emergency visit.There are a variety of reasons for a toothache, especially a mild…
Wondering how to practice good oral hygiene? Read on for some helpful tips from a family dentist. Good oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health and wellness. Regular visits to a family dentist for checkups, cleanings, and instruction in excellent oral hygiene are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.The family dentist is the…
Choosing a family dentist is one of your most important healthcare decisions. This professional will likely be your family’s dental home for a long time. It is, therefore, important to choose someone who is professional and personable and whom you can trust with your and your family’s dental health.The best way to start a new…