Practice Safe Dentistry: Tips On How To Avoid A Dental Emergency
No one starts their day hoping to expect a dental problem or visit an emergency dentist following dental trauma. Unfortunately, in many situations, a dental emergency shows a risk of severe gum bleeding, permanent tooth loss, and severe tooth pain.
If you experience an emergency dental problem, you must immediately visit a dental office. This dilemma could either happen suddenly, for instance, from getting a knocked-out tooth during a sports activity or gradually like an abscessed tooth.
You can protect your teeth by practicing good oral hygiene or wearing mouth guards when participating in sports activities. Here are some tips to you avoid a trip to an emergency dentist and what to do when having a dental emergency
How Can One Deal With An Emergency Dental Situation?
Dental emergencies can happen any time, and whether you have a damaged restoration or when your child breaks their teeth when playing a sport, it is best to prepare it.
Delaying treatment can turn a small problem into a major issue,leading to further complications. However, you can take time to prepare by having an emergency kit, reviewing basic care strategies, and having your dentist’s contact information.
You can have a separate emergency care kit different from the normal dental care kit. This item helps provide you with some relief until you see your dentist. A complete emergency care kit can contain gauze, tweezers, pain reliever, ice pack, hand sanitizer, mouth wash, toothpaste and toothbrush, dental floss, bottled water, a temporary dental cement, and a container to hold a dislodged tooth.
When experiencing a dental emergency, the emergency kit and the following tips will help you alleviate your pain and improve the chances of having a positive outcome. This is by:
- Addressing the pain
Damage in your teeth or restorations usually causes pain and inflammation, which over-the-counter pain relievers can address. Icing the affected areas can also reduce inflammation and reduce the discomfort. In addition, dental cement can cover sensitive areas and thus provide temporary relief.
- Preserve the pieces.
When your tooth fragment, restoration, or the entire tooth is knocked out, bring them with you to the dentist. Your dentist in Waco can reattach them under the right circumstances. This helps decrease extensive dental procedures to restore aesthetics and function.
- Get Treatment ASAP
Having a toothache is a sign that your teeth have decayed or a possible fracture has occurred without being noticed. If you have one,you must visit your dentist near you as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection might spread and increase your discomfort. In addition, long-term damage may impact your dental function and cause permanent harm if not treated promptly.
Preventive Care for Your Teeth
Preventive care for teeth includes:
- Practice daily dental hygiene
Regular brushing and flossing are important for your gums and teeth health. Food debris contributes to the accumulation of bacteria, which causes tooth decay or gum infections. Infections affect the gums and teeth and could thus potentially lead to a trip to your emergency dentist at Hillcrest Dental Care
- Mouthguard
Wearing mouthguards is beneficial to everyone, especially if you participate in sports activities. Mouthguards shield your teeth from absorbing heavy blows to the mouth while participating in sports or recreational activities where there is a risk of falling.
- Watch what you eat
Avoid hard, sugary, sticky foods such as candies, nuts, or crackers. Sticky food often getstrapped between your teeth and may be hard to remove. Hard foods can damage your teeth when you bite too hard on them and cause a dental emergency.
- Dental Sealants
Sealants are preventive care for children as well as adults. They are applied to your teeth to protect them from cavities, especially for children still struggling with their dental hygiene habits.
You should also visit your dentist in Waco at least twice a year for regular dental exams and cleaning. They will clean your teeth to eliminate tartar or plaque deposits that may cause tooth decay.
Common dental emergencies
The most common dental emergencies that can be treated at our emergency dental clinic Waco include:
- Knocked out tooth
- Toothache
- Lost filling or crown
- Broken or chipped tooth
- Excessive bleeding
- Abscess
- Broken orthodontics