You may never expect it to happen to you, but dental emergencies are quite common. 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency every year. Accidents can happen with no warning, but trauma isn’t the only culprit of emergency dental problems. Believe it or not, many result from preventable issues, like untreated decay. Here are 5 ways you can safeguard your smile to lessen your risk of needing an emergency dentist.
1. Visit Your Dentist Every 6 Months
Brushing and flossing alone won’t keep your teeth and gums healthy. The American Dental Association also recommends a cleaning and checkup every 6 months, even if you don’t have any current oral health concerns.
Visiting your dentist regularly allows them to monitor your oral health to detect any issues while they are still small. As a result, they can be addressed quickly to prevent them from turning into a big problem.
2. Don’t Delay Dental Work
Money is tight for many people right now, which can mean delaying dental work. If you’ve been delaying dental treatments, you’re opening the door to an oral health emergency.
It’s better to have issues resolved while they are still small to prevent them from worsening. Not only will you require less invasive and costly treatment, but you’ll also prevent irreversible damage to your smile, like tooth loss.
3. Wear a Mouthguard
Mouthguards give your smile an added layer of protection. There are many types, depending on your needs. An athletic mouthguard provides a protective barrier for your teeth and gums in case there’s trauma to your mouth. It significantly lessens your risk of broken or knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, and concussions.
If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, a nightguard can provide a cushion between your top and bottom arches to absorb the friction.
4. Break Bad Oral Habits
Your teeth are protected by the hardest substance in your body, but your enamel isn’t indestructible. Certain bad habits can land you in the dentist’s chair, like chewing on your fingernails or using your teeth to loosen bottle lids. It’s best to break any bad oral habits to keep dental emergencies at bay.
5. Don’t Ignore Dental Pain
Contrary to common belief, an occasional toothache is not normal. Any dental pain is often a symptom of an underlying problem, like weakened enamel, a fracture, or a cavity. Whether you have temporary sensitivity or a toothache that comes and goes, don’t ignore any dental pain.
You can’t always stop a dental emergency from occurring, but you can reduce your risk of needing a dentist in a hurry by taking a few precautions.
About Dr. Robert J. Sanker
Dr. Sanker earned his dental degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and continued his education to become a specialist in prosthodontics. He has the qualifications and experience to treat the most complex oral health issues. If you need an emergency dentist, request an appointment through our website or call (301) 463-4232.