Emergency Evasion: 3 Tips to Preventing Dental Problems

If you’re experiencing an unexpected oral dilemma, like sensitive gums or a sharp toothache, you might wonder whether your condition counts as an emergency. However, it’s usually best to contact them as soon as you notice any areas of concern. There may be several potential causes, and only your dentist has the experience and technology to identify and treat the underlying issue accurately.

Although some dental problems are beyond your control, there are thankfully several proactive ways to prevent them. Continue reading to learn 3 things you can do to avoid emergencies!

Tip #1: Establish a Routine

Improving your at-home oral hygiene routine is one easy way to strengthen your smile’s resistance to common concerns that contribute to dental emergencies, like cavities, gum disease, and physical injuries. Brushing and flossing twice daily are essential to maintaining your dental well-being for a few reasons.

Firstly, it removes plaque and helps your enamel resist acid damage from the foods you eat and bacteria in your mouth to preserve the protective outer layer of your teeth. Then, it also clears away unhealthy germs that can penetrate them or connective tissues to cause infections.

Tip #2: Eat Wholesome Foods

You can also improve your resistance to common oral concerns by eating a well-balanced diet. Consuming too many sugary foods attracts bacteria that erode your teeth or infiltrate your connective tissues, and eating overly acidic ingredients can wear down your enamel. This increases the likelihood of developing a dental emergency.

Thankfully, eating a variety of wholesome options can support your oral and overall health. For instance, dairy products like milk, yogurt, or cheese contain calcium for strong teeth and bones. You can also support your gums by eating more citrus fruits and leafy greens with plenty of vitamin C.

Tip #3: Notice Changes

Many people with dental problems assume it will resolve itself given enough time, but that’s not usually the case. Many oral issues start small and then progressively worsen over time. Contacting your dentist sooner rather than later can resolve it before it becomes urgent and requires immediate attention and more expensive procedures to repair.

Paying closer attention to what’s happening in your mouth helps you notice issues so you can seek help. For example, if you know what your gums usually look like, you’re more likely to notice changes, like swelling or darkening, that can point to underlying gum disease.

Furthermore, catching problems early usually also means they’re easier to fix. For instance, gingivitis can often be reversed with more thorough flossing, while progressive periodontal disease may require a more complex and costly procedure that could have been avoided, like scaling and root planing.

Making a few simple changes to your daily routines and monitoring your oral health can protect your smile and avoid potential dental emergencies!

About the Practice

At Gerome & Patrice Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from a dental team with 40+ years of combined experience helping build and maintain healthy, happy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services under one roof, including emergency care. Plus, they take the time to get to know you and tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver comfortable, accurate results intended to last. If you have an emergency and need help, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (513) 402-0165.