- Our care concierge will review your information.
- A team member will contact you.
- We will work with your schedule to set an appointment.
Dental emergencies can strike at any time. Not only can they cause significant pain in your mouth, but they can potentially lead to even worse issues if they aren’t dealt with promptly. While dental emergencies can be treated, it’s obviously better to avoid them whenever possible. Below are 5 simple tips that can help you minimize your risk of needing urgent dental care.
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
When harmful bacteria are allowed to accumulate in your mouth, they can raise your risk for various oral health issues; this includes tooth decay that could eventually lead to an infection. As such, it’s important to keep your mouth as clean as possible by practicing good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush at least two times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should also floss daily to clean the spaces between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
2. Be Mindful of What You Eat
Certain foods can increase your chances of experiencing a dental emergency if you’re not careful. For example, overindulging in sugary and starchy foods can lead to tooth decay. Additionally, biting down on overly hard foods like peppermints could potentially crack your enamel. You should make sure that you’re aware of the foods that can cause problems for your mouth so that you can adjust your eating habits accordingly.
3. Wear a Mouthguard
Many sports carry a risk of getting hit in the face or mouth, which can easily lead to damaged or knocked-out teeth. As such, when you’re out on the field or court, you should always wear a mouthguard. This simple oral appliance can absorb and redistribute the force of any impact, thus protecting the teeth from the worst of the blow.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is an important step for protecting your smile. Getting plenty of water will allow your body to produce more saliva. This is crucial because saliva helps wash away the harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay. It also helps neutralize acids that weaken your teeth.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
You should make a point of seeing your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning once every six months. They’ll be able to check your mouth for issues that you might have overlooked and take steps to address them before they can turn into emergencies. They can also remove plaque and tartar from the areas of your mouth that you may have overlooked while brushing and flossing.
There’s no way to guarantee that a dental emergency will never happen, but following the tips above can go a long way toward keeping your smile as safe as possible. That said, if a dental emergency occurs despite your best efforts, the best thing to do is to call your dentist; they can quickly figure out what steps need to be taken to relieve your pain and restore your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Oz is a knowledgeable dentist and prosthodontist in Weymouth. He has completed a three-year specialty program at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, and he has received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Prosthodontics. At OB1 Dental, he offers same-day appointments for patients who need emergency dental care. If you need help with an urgent oral health issue, you can request an appointment with Dr. Oz by calling (617) 825-4444.
