Ways to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. They can occur due to various reasons, including eating or biting down on something hard, a dental injury, teeth grinding, and more.

Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth Regularly

Prevention is the best medicine! The best way to avoid costly and painful emergencies is to prevent them from happening in the first place. This means brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for exams and cleanings.

Having a good oral hygiene routine and clean teeth will prevent cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, plaque buildup, and other oral health problems that can lead to the need for emergency dental care later down the road.

In addition to simply practicing good dental hygiene at home, be sure to wear a protective mouthguard when playing sports or other physical activities that could pose a risk of injury to the face or mouth. Also, be careful with hard foods, as they can damage our teeth and cause painful fractures. Even chewing on hard candies can be risky. Another helpful tip is to stop smoking, as it increases your risk of gum disease and other issues that may require immediate treatment.

Avoiding Sugary Food and Beverages

Although tooth decay and cavities can occur as a result of poor oral hygiene habits, consuming too many sugary foods and beverages can also increase risk. This is because the sugar coats teeth and weakens enamel as a result. For this reason, it’s best to limit your consumption of these foods and drinks as much as possible and schedule regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist.

Regular Professional Cleanings and Exams

The best ways to prevent dental emergencies are through regular professional cleanings and exams. These appointments allow your dental hygienist to spot any signs of decay or other damage early on before they have time to progress to the point of causing you pain. During your routine exam, we check your teeth for signs of damage or disease. If we notice anything, we will recommend the best treatment to restore the health of your smile and prevent further damage from occurring. Your dentist may also suggest a preventive treatment like a fluoride rinse or dental sealants to protect your enamel from harm.

Please feel free to contact our office at (206) 363-4300 today for more information. You can also visit us at 10004 Aurora Ave N Suite 14, Seattle, WA 98133. We look forward to meeting you!