Tips To Prevent Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is any situation that requires prompt treatment to preserve your oral health. Some common dental emergencies include:

• Broken teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Facial swelling
• Persistent pain
• Abscesses (pus-filled pockets)
• Broken or loose braces

Though dental emergencies are not fully preventable, you can take precautions to reduce their occurrences or their impact. Read on to learn a few tips to prevent or reduce the occurrence of dental emergencies. 

Follow good oral hygiene habits

The best thing you can do to prevent dental emergencies is to be proactive with your oral hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth twice each day, flossing once each day, and rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash are all great habits to get into. Be sure to also visit the dentist every six months or as recommended.

Schedule regular cleanings and exams.

These appointments give your dentist the chance to assess your oral health, identify potential issues, and treat a minor problem before it escalates. Along with your daily oral hygiene routine, these appointments can help keep your smile healthy and strong. If your biannual dental visit is pending, visit Kennedy Heights Dental Centre. We serve patients from the regions Surrey VW3, V4N, V4P, Langley V3A, V2Y 1A2, and New Westminster V3L, V3K 0M4 to help them achieve a gleaming smile.

Recognize and treat common dental problems at the earliest

If you feel you have an oral issue, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Cavities, broken teeth, and other dental emergencies are painful and should be addressed as quickly as possible. However, some people put off dental care because they are afraid of the dentist or dental pain. Unfortunately, putting off dental care can result in more pain. If you experience pain, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you are experiencing dental pain and need treatment right away, call our emergency dentist.

Practice good dental care while traveling or on vacation

If you have dental work that requires special care or that you’re more at risk for damage, it’s wise to bring your dental team’s contact information with you. In the event of an emergency dental situation, you’ll be able to receive treatment quickly and with minimal stress.

Avoid chewing on ice or hard candy

Avoid chewing on ice or hard candy. This can cause chips or cracks in your teeth, which can expose the nerve endings and cause pain. In severe cases, it may even cause the tooth to fracture.

Don’t use your teeth as tools

Your teeth are meant to chew your food, not open packages or snip threads. Biting down on something hard can chip or break a tooth. Avoid using your teeth as tools as much as possible. If you must rip something open, use scissors or another type of tool rather than your teeth.

Wear a mouth guard if you play sports or grind your teeth

People who play sports or who grind their teeth at night can wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth. A mouth guard can help prevent injuries to the lips, jaw, teeth, and tongue. It will also protect the soft tissues of the mouth from being cut by braces as well.

At Kennedy Heights Dental Centre, we strive to provide our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. Kennedy Heights Dental Centre serves patients from the regions Surrey VW3, V4N, V4P, Langley V3A, V2Y 1A2, and New Westminster V3L, V3K 0M4. 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.