Dental emergencies can damage your teeth, gums, and the other soft tissue in your mouth, leading to major pain or long-term damage to your oral health. When you experience a dental emergency, you should contact your dentist immediately to prevent further damage or help save a tooth. There are many different dental emergencies, some of which can be prevented or limited by taking some extra caution during activities. This blog will share some of the common dental emergencies and some ways you can avoid them.
Avoid Dental Parafunctions
Dental parafunctions are any acts that are done with your teeth that aren’t their normal function. These unnatural functions can include nail biting, teeth grinding, using teeth to open packages, or chewing on items that are not food. Avoiding these behaviors and not using your teeth as tools is the best way to avoid a dental emergency. If you want to avoid chipping or broken teeth, avoid anything unnatural for your teeth.
Stop Teeth Grinding And Clenching
One of the most common ways to wear down the enamel of multiple teeth is grinding the teeth. Most people don’t know that they are grinding their teeth, especially if it happens in their sleep. Those with high stress may also clench or grind during the day, putting more stress on the jaw joint and sensitive enamel. While your teeth are durable and meant to handle some force, the constant force of the opposing teeth during grinding and clenching can cause cracks or chips. Wearing a mouth guard at night or finding ways to limit stress in your life can protect the longevity of your teeth.
Consider A Mouth Guard
Another way a mouth guard can protect you from dental emergencies is by lessening the impact during sports or dangerous activities. Protective mouthguards need to be worn by professional athletes or thrill seekers, in case of an accident or fall that could knock one of your teeth loose. Mouth guards can be molded to the exact shape of your teeth, reducing the impact of external forces and protecting sensitive teeth from dental emergencies.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
The best way to prevent dental emergencies is to attend dental check-ups regularly and discuss any problems with your dentist immediately. If your teeth have become weak for another reason, the chances of them being knocked out, cracked, or infected increase dramatically. Brushing and flossing regularly help prevent bacterial buildup that weakens enamel and causes gum infections. An infection or decaying tooth makes you more likely to experience other dental emergencies such as excessive gum bleeding, cracked and chipped teeth, or mouth pain.
Limit Acidic Foods
One of the most damaging things for your teeth is acidic food and drinks like coffee, wine, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and soda. Eating acidic foods and having limited dental hygiene can result in disaster for your teeth. Abscesses, gum disease, and untreated cavities can be considered dental emergencies, especially if they are causing you severe pain. The best way to limit damage and infection in your mouth is to drink plenty of water, brush twice a day, and visit the dentist regularly. Even if you can’t limit acidity in your diet, staying on top of your oral health will help prevent worsening decay.
Emergency Dental Help From Our Team
Our dental team offers emergency dental services to ensure that all of our patients can have peace of mind about potential emergencies. Avenues Dentistry knows that accidents and emergencies are bound to occur, so we are available at the drop of a hat for broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, broken jaws, or severe tongue and lip damage. You can never control when an emergency might happen, but taking some extra caution and having a dentist you trust will limit anxiety around these problems.
Located in Salt Lake City, Avenues Dentistry offers a variety of services including dental cleanings, sedation dentistry, root canals, dental implants, and more. Our family-oriented team is here to help you create a unique dental plan that meets your unique needs. Our office utilizes modern technology and techniques to help our patients love their smile and limit pain. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
