Dental emergencies are always distressing, occurring at the most inconvenient times. Since many dental emergencies are due to advanced tooth decay, these events can usually be prevented.
Follow these tips to prevent tooth decay and avoid emergency visits to the dental office.
Tooth Decay and Dental Pain
Tooth decay starts on the surface of teeth and, depending on your oral hygiene routine, takes time to reach the nerve endings housed in the inner “pulp.” If you eat lots of sweets or don’t brush as often as you should, decay advances quickly.
Preventing Severe Toothaches
With proper brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits, you reduce your risk of decay. If you do experience a small cavity, it can be corrected with a simple filling.
When you miss your routine appointments or allow decay-causing bacteria to accumulate unchecked due to insufficient brushing and flossing, a small area of decay becomes a large cavity that threatens the integrity of the tooth. You will likely require root canal therapy to restore the tooth or extraction and replacement with a dental Implant.
Preventing Dental Injuries
Dental trauma is more difficult to prevent than dental damage due to decay. The best way to reduce your chances of severe injury to teeth is with the use of a professional mouth guard. This appliance can be used if you grind your teeth or participate in sports.
A good rule of thumb when it comes to the use of mouth guards is to wear it whenever a helmet is recommended (such as bicycling) and for all sports activities in which high-impact is possible.
Never use your teeth as tools. They are designed to chew edible items only. Don’t try to open packages with your mouth or chew on non-food items like pencils or even ice.
Are You Experiencing a Dental Emergency?
Call Woodlawn Dental immediately if you are suffering from severe tooth pain or dental trauma. We are here for you!