How Can I Avoid Having a Dental Emergency?

There are good surprises such as, “Congratulations, you are having twins!” Then, there are bad surprises like, “Meet us at the dentist’s office, Tim got his tooth knocked out at baseball practice!”

Nobody ever wants to find themselves in a dental emergency, but one thing about life is that it’s wise to expect the unexpected. The best thing you can do is take a preventive approach. On that note, check out these tips on how to avoid a dental emergency in Royse City.

Wear a Mouthguard If You Play Sports

Dentists see numerous injuries each year with people who were playing sports without a mouthguard. Even in practices, if there is a risk factor you should have your mouthguard in to avoid getting teeth knocked out. Mouthguards that are custom-made by dentists are comfortable to wear and don’t obstruct breathing.

Cut Down on Your Sugar Intake

Snacking on sugary foods increases the acidity in your mouth. The acid weakens your tooth enamel to set the stage for cavities. Even if you don’t quit eating sweets, simply having them with your main meal instead of on their own is better for your teeth.

Remember to Clean in Between Your Teeth

Dental floss is the most well-known option here, but you could also go with interdental brushes, soft picks, or a Waterpik. The problem with not flossing regularly is you are leaving about one-third of your tooth surfaces uncleaned, greatly increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Account for Wear by Periodically Replacing Your Toothbrush

It’s generally best to replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months but do it sooner if the bristles begin to look worn. If your toothbrush is too tattered, it will not effectively clean your teeth. Most electric toothbrushes have built-in wear indicators.

Take Note of Any Nagging Dental Pain or Changes to It

A nagging toothache is a sign that something is wrong. Don’t brush it off if the pain goes away because a severe tooth infection can sometimes kill the nerve. It’s worth visiting your dentist just in case it ends up making a difference. Be aware of any changes to your gums or oral tissues; a sore that isn’t healing should be mentioned to your dentist.

It’s easy not to worry about a problem until it’s on your doorstep, but then when you are actually in an emergency situation there will be a lot of regret about what you could’ve done differently. If you are diligent about your oral hygiene and promptly inform your dentist in Royse City of any problems, that can make all the difference in helping you dodge adversity down the line.

About the Practice

At Brush Dental, we take the time to listen to your concerns because dentistry should be a positive experience, not just a chore you have to do. We welcome patients of all ages and accept your dental insurance, plus we’ll take the time to explain your benefits in detail. We offer evening hours multiple days each week to help accommodate your busy schedule, plus you can call us about a Saturday appointment. We hope it never happens to you, but if you ever require emergency dentistry in Royse City, we offer same-day appointments and our talented staff will work to provide fast, effective pain relief. For any of your oral health needs, visit our website or call (469) 723-4000.