People typically take their healthy mouths for granted until things go wrong. However, if you don’t take care of your oral health, it’s probable that you may need emergency dental care at some time. If you’ve ever had a serious toothache or an oral infection, you know how stressful and even a bit terrifying it can be, particularly if these symptoms affect your little child. By learning more, you may take steps to prevent dental emergencies. Knowing what signs to watch for and when to seek emergency treatment makes it far less terrifying, and you’ll be able to handle it much better.
1. Keep an eye out for any changes to your teeth, gums, or oral tissues
A persistent toothache, for instance, can indicate that you have a cavity or that one of your filled teeth started leaking or disintegrating. Even though tooth pain is usually an indication of a serious issue, it might be tempting to dismiss it if it goes away. Please refrain from doing so since a serious tooth infection that has caused a toothache may occasionally result in the death of the tooth nerve, making it look as though the infection has subsided, while, in reality, this is not possible without professional treatment. The sooner you visit a dentist, the better your chances are of saving your tooth.
Additionally, pay attention to any changes inside your mouth, which include the tongue, the roof and floor of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks and lips, and your gum line. Any wounds, sores in the mouth, or mouth ulcers that don’t heal correctly need to be professionally treated.
2. Maintain good dental hygiene at home
As a minimum, brush your teeth each day. Brushing your teeth first thing after you wake up and the last thing before going to bed is ideal. Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes will give you enough time to guarantee that your dental enamel is properly cleaned. The built-in timers on electric toothbrushes are fantastic, but if you prefer to use a manual brush, keep a little timer in the bathroom or use your phone.
3. Keep switching your toothbrush
You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or more frequently if it appears worn or splayed. When it’s time to replace your toothbrush, you may easily tell by looking at the wear indicators that are often included in electric toothbrush heads. It is a false economy to use a worn-out toothbrush to clean your teeth when a new brush or brush head only costs a few bucks.
4. Clean in between your teeth
The conventional and simple method of cleaning in between your teeth is dental floss, but you may also use interdental brushes, soft picks, or a Waterpik. About one-third of your tooth surfaces are left uncleaned when you don’t floss every day, which dramatically raises your risk of dental cavities and oral infections. The dentist always determines what person flosses routinely and what doesn’t. Ask your dentist or hygienist for guidance and support if you are having trouble cleaning your teeth.
5. Limit the amount of sugar you consume each day
Snacking on sweet foods regularly makes your tongue more acidic. This is due to the fact that bacteria that are already in your mouth consume sugar as fuel, creating a weak acid as a byproduct. The protective layer of your teeth can get weakened by the acid’s attack by losing certain crucial minerals.
It takes 30 to 60 minutes for pH levels to recover to normal after eating. To reduce the amount of time your teeth are in contact with acid and the reduce chance of damage, try limiting the amount of sugary snacks you consume.
