Most people want to avoid having a dental emergency in Denton, but what exactly are the steps you should take? Fortunately, your local dentist can help you understand the common reasons for dental emergencies and provide seven fundamental tips on how you can keep your teeth healthy and strong.
What Are the Most Common Dental Emergencies?
You might feel discomfort in your teeth, or maybe something came out and you’re not sure you should call or visit your dentist. If you’re unsure, here are some common reasons you might want to call an emergency dentist:
- Toothaches/Chipped or Cracked tooth
- Extremely Sensitive tooth
- Loose or Knocked-out tooth
- Severe Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue
- Jaw Pain
- Lost or Broken Filling, Crown, or Denture
Even if the situation seems minor and easy to deal with, your safest bet is to seek immediate care in case it is a major problem in the making. Feel free to schedule a same-day visit so your dentist can examine you and recommend immediate treatment.
7 Tips to Prevent a Dental Emergency
Once you’ve learned what qualifies as a dental emergency, you’re probably wondering how you can prevent these situations all together. While there are some cases where a dental emergency simply happens, there are several ways to keep your teeth intact and healthy:
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Having your dental checkup or teeth cleaning at least twice a year can help reduce the risk of an emergency.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing daily keeps your teeth in good condition and prevents plaque buildup and tooth decay.
- Replace Your Toothbrush: Over time your toothbrush will wear down and become ineffective. Regularly replacing it every two or three months would be a good idea.
- Healthy Diet: Reducing the amount of sugary or acidic foods can also prevent bacteria from developing in your mouth.
- Wear a Mouthguard: Whether you’re trying to prevent your teeth from grinding or clenching while you sleep, or if you simply play sports, try to use a mouthguard.
- Avoid Opening Packages with Your Teeth: Sometimes you might feel tempted to use your teeth to open packages or as a tool in general, but you could be damaging them in the long run.
- Avoid Biting Hard Objects: Munching on ice, biting into popcorn kernels, or chewing on anything hard can damage or crack your teeth.
Preventing dental emergencies is a matter of maintaining good oral routines and making sure you keep your teeth safe. Taking the right measures for a healthy smile is essential, and even if something comes up, know your dentist is readily available for you!
About the Practice
Denton Dental Center is located in Denton, TX. Here you’ll find Dr. Todd Balington, DMD, Dr. Naveen Karim, DDS, and an amazing team dedicated to family-oriented dental care and providing preventive and restorative treatments, including gum disease therapy, dental crowns, fillings, and root canals. They are also available for emergency dentistry with years of experience in urgent situations. If you want to learn more from them, visit their website or call 940-383-3300.