Dental emergencies are alarming and can cause severe pain and swelling. They are unexpected, can happen to anyone, and demand prompt dental attention. Examples of common dental situations requiring immediate help include severe pain, bleeding, broken braces, abscesses, broken or knocked-out teeth, and more. These will cause immediate discomfort, and an emergency dentist can help. There are various ways to prevent dental emergencies, though! Let’s learn about them;
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Maintain oral hygiene
The Tooth Spa dentist in Leeds will tell you that oral hygiene is critical and can help prevent most dental issues. Maintaining a clean and healthy mouth will help avoid dental emergencies, and brushing and flossing go a long way. Brush twice daily for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, and remember to floss.
Be sure to brush all tooth surfaces thoroughly and consider electronic toothbrushes since they have in-built timers. Replace your toothbrush often; if it’s worn out, it won’t clean your teeth as required.
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Watch what you eat
Your diet matters; avoid sugars and processed foods. These can affect your health and dental condition. Sugary foods produce a weak acid that attacks your enamel. This weakens it by removing essential minerals.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, celery, nuts, apples, and fatty fish to improve your oral health. Water is also vital and will help you stay hydrated, which is good for your oral health. Also, dental checkups are essential and will detect any issues early, allowing for prompt attention.
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Avoid chewing ice and hard foods.
Chewing ice will cause cracks and damage your teeth. Avoid munching it and other hard foods such as almonds and popcorn kernels. If you insist on eating these foods, use the rear molars; they are strong and feature a larger surface area. Again, avoid chewing other non-food objects like pens, pencils, and fingernails. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open tape; open bags for this could lead to cracks.
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Be cautious with sticky foods- if you have crowns.
Sticky foods such as gummy candy and caramels can loosen or pull out fillings and crowns. This is tricky and will expose your enamel to oral bacteria and lead to decay. You also become susceptible to oral infections, leading to many complications. Avoid such foods and seek emergency dental services if you pull out a crown or filling.
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Avoid intense sports/ wear a mouthguard.
Some spots can raise your likelihood of tooth damage. Avoid contact sports or wear a mouth guard every time you engage in such sporting activities. It will guard your teeth against direct trauma and distribute the force to your gums and teeth to prevent cracks or being knocked out. You can go for ordinary or custom mouth guards, and you’ll find them in most stores.
Dental emergencies can be painful and inconvenient and will necessitate immediate medical attention. Use the above-mentioned ideas to avoid them and maintain regular dental hygiene and checkups. If you suffer from any emergency dental condition, contact your dentist immediately to prevent further complications. Also, address any fears and dental anxieties that hinder you from attending your regular dental checkups.
