Summertime is synonymous with fun in the sun, vacations and special events. The last thing you want to do, then, is ruin it with dental trauma that requires an emergency restoration. Your local dentist says you don’t have to be a helpless victim of mishaps because there are some preventive steps you can take. He weighs in to provide 5 tips for avoiding emergency dentistry in Annapolis.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry is the type of care reserved for traumatic situations where your oral health is suddenly compromised to a level that affects your daily functions and causes discomfort. Some of the more common types of emergencies are the following:
- Chipped Tooth
- Broken or Fractured Tooth
- Partially or Fully Dislodged Tooth
- Toothache
- Excessive Bleeding
- Object Stuck Between Teeth
If you find yourself in any of these situations, you should first take a deep breath to compose yourself and then reach out to your dentist’s office so that you can be restored as soon as possible.
5 Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies
Here are 5 things you can do to prevent unwanted dental trauma:
- Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene – One of the contributors to dental emergencies is bacteria growth, which can lead to excessive bleeding and acute pain from advanced tooth decay and gum irritation. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a consistent basis will help to prevent this from happening by attacking bacteria directly.
- Wear a Mouthguard – If you’re involved in any type of sporting event, it’s highly recommended that you wear a protective mouthguard. That’s because there is always the chance of a sudden collision that can partially or fully dislodge a tooth. A protective mouthguard, however, will help to absorb some of the force to protect your precious ivories.
- Visit Your Dentist – Your semi-annual visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups also aid in preventing dental emergencies. They serve two main purposes: to remove harmful plaque and stubborn tartar that can cause all types of oral health problems and to detect and address any developing oral issues before they get out of hand.
- Eat Healthier – Making better food selections also helps to prevent dental emergencies by limiting the acids in the mouth that are present when you eat snack foods. Choosing more fruits and vegetables also helps to raise the pH level in your mouth, making it more alkaline and preventing bacteria growth.
- Pay Attention – A final way to lessen the chances of dental trauma is to be more aware of your surroundings and your movements. This will help to prevent any missteps that could lead to a fall and broken or dislodged tooth.
You have the power to take control of your oral health and prevent any unwanted problems by being proactive and taking the steps listed above. If you have any other questions about these or other tips, reach out to your dentist in Annapolis to schedule a preventive care visit today!
About the Author
For nearly 40 years, Dr. A. Gary Goodman has provided the Annapolis community with top-notch dental care. A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, he finished in the top 10 percent of his class and has maximized his knowledge by pursuing continuing education courses and seminars. Dr. Goodman helps patients maintain and restore their oral health at his private practice and can be reached for more information through his website.