5 Ways to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can’t always be avoided, especially when they result from some sort of physical trauma (like playing sport). But there are always preventative measures you can take.

The number of patients needing dental treatments in North Sydney for preventable dental problems is on the rise. Dr. Edwina Toulmin is passionate about preventive dentistry. Here she explains 5 ways to prevent a dental emergency.

Mouthguards

Sports-related oral injuries account for a large number of the dental emergencies we see. But you can easily and dramatically reduce the risk of an oral injury by wearing a mouthguard.

Everyone from kids to professional athletes should be wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports, whether it’s during practice, play time or a competitive sports game. For maximum protection and comfort, invest in a good quality custom-made mouthguard,. You can even choose from a range of colours and colour combinations, and choose to have your or your child’s name and contact phone number included on it.

Good Oral Hygiene and Care

Dental emergencies such as abscesses, fractures and acute gum disease can occur due to a lack of basic dental care. Poor oral hygiene can also result in weaker teeth that are more prone to damage from physical trauma. Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a rechargeable electric toothbrush with an oscillating head. It is not necessary to use mouthwash, however, you should make sure you are flossing correctly at least once a day.

Healthy Diet

Unhealthy eating patterns are a major contributor to dental emergencies. Sugar is the greatest threat to healthy teeth. Sugar causes decay by reacting with the bacteria in the plaque on your teeth to create damaging acids. Limit your sugar intake and make sure you keep in mind all the food and drinks that contain hidden sugars (processed foods, fruit juice, energy drinks, cordial, alcohol, sauces, muesli bars, crisps and biscuits etc.) (link to the recent blog on this issue)

Try to eat full meals instead of snacking. This helps you release saliva, which helps wash food from the mouth as well as reducing the amount of exposure to cavity causing acids. Always rinse with water after every meal.

Sensible Biting and Chewing Habits

It’s easy to crack, chip or break a tooth from forceful biting or bad chewing habits. Avoid biting things like ice, hard candy, seeds and popcorn kernels, which can easily turn a microcrack in your tooth into a full fracture.

You should also avoid using your teeth as tools, like opening a packet of chips or cutting tape. Chewing your nails or pens and pencils are also bad habits that cause oral injury.

Some people clench or grind when they’re concentrating, stressed or sleeping. Our North Sydney dentist can advise if this is the case and fabricate a special night guard to protect the teeth from further damage.

Regular Dental Check Ups

Prevention is better than a cure. The best way to put this philosophy into habit is to make sure you visit our North Sydney dental clinic regularly for check-ups (at least twice a year). Dental conditions can sometimes develop long before any pain can be felt, and these are easily dealt with if found early. The professional clean you receive at your check up is very effective at removing tartar and staining, keeping your mouth healthy and fresh.

For a good dentist in North Sydney, come down to McMahons Point Dental. Book an appointment or get in touch with our dentist, Dr Edwina Toulmin, for a check-up and more tips on keeping your teeth healthy and strong.