Sometimes, we can’t predict when a dental emergency might happen. Accidents happen that can cause a chipped or knocked-out tooth, and there isn’t anything that can be done to prevent them. However, there are some things that would normally require an emergency dentist that can be easily prevented.
Here are the top four things you can do to help prevent an emergency dental appointment:
1. Wear a mouthguard: If you play contact sports like hockey or football, the risk of losing a tooth or having a tooth chipped is higher than normal. You should always wear a mouthguard when playing sports to help protect your teeth from these dental emergencies.
2. Take vitamins: You might be surprised at this one — but taking certain vitamins can help boost the health of your gums, strengthen your teeth and help prevent trips to an emergency dentist. In addition to most general multivitamins, Vitamin A, B-complex vitamins and Vitamin C are all great vitamins for keeping an emergency dentist visit at bay.
3. Visit the dentist regularly: Regular checkups with your general dentist go a long way in helping you stay out of an emergency dentist office. Experts traditionally advise that you visit your dentist twice a year for checkups. During these appointments, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth and check for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease that could turn into serious problems requiring an emergency dentist’s attention.
4. Practice good dental hygiene: There’s no substitute for the benefits of brushing and flossing your teeth every day when it comes to preventing trips to the emergency dentist. Did you know that about 75% of Americans don’t replace their toothbrushes as frequently as recommended? By brushing with a toothbrush in good condition, you can help prevent emergency dentist visits significantly. More on this.
