Tips To Prevent Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is any urgent problem affecting your oral health or appearance that requires prompt treatment

Common dental emergencies include:

• Knocked-out tooth
• Cracked tooth
• Broken crown
• Broken filling
• Toothache

Here are the tips to prevent dental emergencies

• Brush and floss regularly

Prevention can be the key to avoiding dental emergencies. Brushing and flossing regularly will remove plaque from your smile, reducing your risk for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. By keeping your teeth healthy, you can increase the likelihood that your emergency is a non-emergency.

• Visit your dentist regularly

Regular visits with your dentist can help prevent emergencies. During dental cleanings and exams, your dentist is able to catch warning signs of decay, gum disease, or oral cancer early. Tooth pain can also be an indicator of a worse problem, such as an infection or abscess. If you're experiencing tooth pain, call your dentist as soon as possible. Kennedy Heights Dental offers emergency dental services to patients in and around Surrey VW3, V4N, V4P, Langley V3A, V2Y 1A2, and New Westminster V3L, V3K 0M4. 

• Know your risk factors

If you have existing oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease, your risk increases for oral health emergencies. Talk to your dentist about your risks for oral health emergencies and how you can manage them.

• Use mouthguards when appropriate

Mouthguards, also sometimes called sports guards, are recommended for many athletes. Mouthguards prevent serious injuries to the teeth and jaw. They also protect the soft tissues of your lips, cheeks, and tongue. However, not all mouthguards are the same. A mouthguard that is right for you depends on your age, type of sport, and dental history.

• Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated with water is a great way to prevent dental emergencies. Water can help your saliva production, which washes away food particles that can lead to a sticky film called plaque. When plaque is not removed, it can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed.

• Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is pivotal when it comes to preventing dental emergencies. That's because poor nutrition can affect your oral health, as well as your general well-being. For example, if you consume foods that are high in sugar, the bacteria in your mouth will thrive, putting you at risk for tooth decay. Eating a healthy diet can also improve your overall health. For example, eating foods high in calcium — such as cheese, yogurt, and milk — can help strengthen your teeth. This, in turn, reduces your risk of tooth loss.

• Visit your dentist immediately

If you do experience a dental emergency, it's critical to see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to diagnose the problem and determine whether your tooth can be saved. If your dentist is unavailable, visit the ER or urgent care center. At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we offer emergency dentistry services to patients in and around Surrey VW3, V4N, V4P, Langley V3A, V2Y 1A2, and New Westminster V3L, V3K 0M4.  

At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we strive to provide our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us at 778.438.2084. or visit us at 11960 88 Ave, Delta, BC V4C 3C8.