Dental emergencies happen every day. While many are unavoidable, others can be prevented. The health of a person’s smile requires regular maintenance and proper protection, whether it is with a mouthguard, fluoride treatment, or even regular dental checkups and cleanings. Reducing one’s risk of visiting the emergency dentist’s office can be easy with these three helpful tips.
Let the Tools Do the Work, Not Your Teeth
Tooth enamel may be the hardest substance in the body, but it can break down if too much pressure is applied.
Biting down on inanimate objects or attempting to open packages with one’s teeth can result in lacerated gum tissue or cracked or broken teeth. A visit to the emergency dentist is then necessary to ensure that the problem does not worsen.
By replacing the temptation to chew on pens or pencils with sugarless gum, and using the correct tools, like scissors, to cut open a package or container, a person can avoid an accidental injury that can lead to timely and costly treatment.
Keep Six-Month Dental Checkups & Cleanings
Six-month dental checkups and cleanings are recommended not only by the American Dental Association but also by dentists. It is because they are designed to prevent common oral health problems that, if left untreated, can result in the need for restorative treatment.
Maintaining a regular schedule of seeing the dentist allows patients to undergo a professional cleaning while also making sure there are no signs of infection, damage, or decay. Catching these issues early on ensures that appropriate treatment can be administered before symptoms worsen or a dental emergency occurs.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
Adopting good oral hygiene habits can keep teeth and gums healthy year-round. Not only does brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash clear away harmful plaque and tartar, but it also reduces the chances of decay and cavities that can lead to nagging toothaches and painful infections.
Too often, dentists see emergency patients with dental issues that can be easily avoided with regular oral hygiene, so staying on top of one’s morning and nighttime routine is an effective way to keep out of the treatment chair.
Although dentists are ready and willing to take care of sudden injuries and infections, it’s best to minimize the risk by taking charge of your oral health and better protecting your smile.
About Grand Dental – Lockport
At Grand Dental – Lockport, our emergency dentists want patients to feel empowered to take care of their smile. Recognizing not all injuries are avoidable, we offer helpful tips to reduce the potential for a sudden visit that requires immediate attention. If you want to make sure that your time is spent enjoying life and not rushing off to the emergency dentist, check out our website or call (815) 240-8068 to speak to a member of our team.