6 Tips to Prevent Against Dental Emergencies

Anyone who has experienced a dental emergency knows just how frustrating, inconvenient, and uncomfortable they can be. If you aren’t taking steps to protect and keep your smile healthy, you are more likely to experience a dental emergency in the future. That’s why your dentist is here to help. Continue reading to learn some tips that can help you keep your smile healthy and prevent anything from going wrong.

Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

You should be brushing your teeth twice and flossing once every single day. The best time to brush your teeth is as soon as you wake up in the morning and last thing before you go to bed. Brush for at least two minutes. Mouthwash is also a great addition because it helps to wash away food debris and bacteria from hard to reach places.

Notice Pain or Changes to Your Smile

If you have a bad toothache that suddenly goes away, you aren’t out of the woods. Tooth infections can actually kill the nerve inside of the tooth. Even though it may seem like the infection is gone, it could only be getting worse. If left untreated, you could lose your tooth and the infection could even spread to other areas. Any changes to the tissue in your mouth should be addressed by your dentist to ensure that everything is okay.

Reduce Sugar Consumption

As much as we all like to enjoy our sugary treats, they increase the acidity in your mouth and can lead to problems like enamel erosion and tooth decay. Even though you don’t need to cut them completely out of your diet, it is best if you save them for occasions. Including them as part of one of your main meals can also help to reduce damage.

See Your Dental

The great thing about seeing a dentist is that they can catch dental issues before they become emergencies. For instance, if your dentist catches a cavity and fills it now, you may be able to avoid a root canal in the future. Make sure that you are going in for a checkup and cleaning approximately every six months.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you’re involved in contact sports, it’s a good idea to wear a mouthguard in order to reduce the risk of dental injuries if you get a blow to the face. Wearing one can prevent chips, cracks, and even knocked out teeth. By investing in a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist now, you can avoid future restorative dental treatments and costs.

Stay Hydrated

Nearly every part of your body requires water to function properly. Your mouth is no different. You need plenty of water in order to produce the saliva to maintain your oral health. Water also helps to wash away food debris and bacteria that gets left behind.

By remembering and abiding by these tips, you can prevent things from going wrong. Think of your smile now so you don’t encounter a dental emergency in your future.

About the Author

Dr. Ahmed Saad provides a wide variety of services, including emergency dental care, at his practice in Vienna, VA. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and has been working in the dental field for over 15 years. For more information on caring for your smile or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Saad, visit his website or call (703) 938-6800.