Not everyone enjoys being surprised, but at least in a positive context like a birthday party, for example, surprises aren’t so bad. However, being caught off guard about something negative, such as a medical issue, is definitely a position nobody wants to be in.
The thought of facing a dental emergency seems awful, but at least there are actions you can take to minimize the probability of it happening to you. Here are six tips from a knowledgeable dentist so you don’t have to face a dental emergency in Jacksonville.
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.
Lower 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.
Make Sure to Clean 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.
Get a New Toothbrush Regularly
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.
Be Wary of Any Nagging Dental Pain or Changes
A persistent toothache is a sign that something is wrong. Don’t disregard it if the pain goes away, because a severe tooth infection can sometimes kill the nerve. It’s worth visiting your dentist about 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.
Visit Your Dentist ASAP if a Tooth Gets Chipped or Cracked
A damaged tooth needs to be repaired or it becomes quite vulnerable to bacteria that can trigger infection and decay. If the tooth is ignored, you could potentially require more extensive treatment down the line such as root canal therapy. Also, if you lose a filling, see your dentist promptly for repair.
It’s human nature to not worry about a potential problem until it’s staring you in the face, but actually being in an emergency situation is a position nobody wants to be in. If you do a great job with your oral hygiene and report any issues to your dentist as soon as possible, that will go a long way to helping you avoid a disaster later on.
About the Practice
At Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, we are focused on providing you with a convenient experience. You’ve got a busy schedule, so we can perform an array of services in one location, plus we are flexible on appointment times and payment options. If adversity were to strike unexpectedly for you to need an emergency dentist, we offer same-day appointments with advanced technology that will lead to faster care. For more information, visit our website or call (904) 645-6457.