Dental emergencies are truly painful and they need immediate needs. However, many dental emergencies can be avoided by preventative care and proactive steps. Whether you are in a busy city or more of a suburb, either way, you want to maintain good oral health to prevent signs of dental disasters as recommended by a Dentist in Schaumburg, Illinois. In this article, we will describe how to avoid dental emergencies in Illinois.
Common Dental Emergencies
But before we get into prevention methods, let’s get a grasp on what common types of dental emergencies are:
- Toothaches: Usually caused by decay, infection, or trauma.
- Chipped or Broken Teeth: Usually caused by accidents, sports injuries, or chewing on hard objects.
- Avulsed Teeth: From trauma or injury.
- Loose or Lost Fillings/Crowns: May be painful and expose the tooth to more damage.
- Abscesses: Infections around the base of the tooth or in your gums.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injured gums, lips, or tongue.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are very important for the diagnosis and prevention of dental disease:
- Biannual Check-Ups: Get dental check-ups every six months for cleanings and examinations.
- X-rays: Regular X-rays can help identify issues that may not be apparent in an examination, including cavities that exist between teeth or infections in the bone.
Wear Protective Gear
Whether or not you play sports or participate in other potentially damaging activities, safeguarding your teeth against injuries is important:
- Mouthguards: Use a custom-fitted mouthguard during contact sports or recreational activities like skateboarding.
- Helmets: For activities where brain injury is a concern, helmets should be worn also to protect your mouth.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Some of those habits can put you at risk for dental emergencies:
- Don’t Chew on Hard Objects: Steer clear of chewing ice, hard candies, pens, or fingernails.
- Don’t Use Teeth as Tools: Resist the urge to use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
- Stop Smoking: Smoking contributes to gum disease and other oral health problems.
Use Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride helps to remineralize tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth every day. Regular check-ups with your dentist allow you to ask about professional fluoride treatments.
Take Care of Dental Problems as They Come Up
If you have a minor dental issue, don’t let it turn into a major emergency:
- Have Cavities Filled: Have any cavities filled as soon as they are discovered.
- Replace Lost Fillings/Crowns: Lost or broken fillings and crowns can be repaired right away if not waiting long.
- Manage Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity may be a sign of a more serious problem, so speak to your dentist if it happens to you.
Educate and Prepare
Educate family members, most importantly the children on good oral hygiene practices and the need for dental care:
- Dental Education You should teach your kids how to brush and floss properly.
- Emergency Plan: If you are paying for someone to do emergency dental work, have a plan to do so, including your dentist’s contact information, what to do in the event of an emergency, and/or what steps you will take if it becomes necessary.
Good oral hygiene, routine dental checkups, preventative measures, and healthy routines all contribute to preventing dental emergencies. Illinois people can maintain their best oral health and drastically lower their risk of dental crises by adhering to these recommendations. Keep in mind that early intervention is essential, so take care of any dental concerns right away to prevent more serious complications later. Maintain a proactive approach to your dental care to have a pain-free, healthy smile.
