If you’ve ever had a dental emergency, you are more than aware of the stress and pain that typically accompanies it. A broken tooth or an unbearable toothache can sometimes be enough to make you shed a tear or two. When it comes to dental disasters, the best plan is to do your best to make sure you don’t have one. Keep reading for 3 ways you can help protect your smile.
Use a Mouthguard When Playing Sports
A report from the Journal of the American Dental Association stated that 13 to 39 percent of all dental injuries are sports-related. Regardless of whether you play contact sports or no-contact sports, protecting your teeth with a mouthguard can prevent them from being broken or knocked out. The costs of restorative dentistry and pain a mouthguard could save you from is definitely worth it.
Keep Track of Any Changes in Your Oral Health
A toothache is always the sign that something is wrong. Your mouth could be trying to tell you that you have a cavity, a dental infection or a decayed filling. While over-the-counter pain medicine may help, tooth pain should never be ignored. This could lead to a root canal, the need for a tooth extraction or possibly a more serious health issue, like sepsis or a heart attack. It’s always best to contact your dentist at the first sign of any changes to the tissues in your mouth or any oral discomfort, including slightly swollen gums, oral sores that don’t heal.
Good Oral Hygiene
The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing daily in order to keep your teeth healthy. But statistics from the Academy of General Dentistry showed that the average American only brushes their teeth for a total of 45 to 70 seconds per day! Brushing for a full 2 minutes could help you remove 26 percent more plaque. The less plaque you have on your teeth, the healthier your smile will get.
The best way to avoid a dental emergency is to make good choices when it comes to your oral health. Wearing a mouthguard, paying attention to your mouth and practicing good dental hygiene can help your life continue as planned, rather than having to deal with a sudden, stressful dental issue.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has been transforming smiles in the Conway community for more than 25 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. Since then, Dr. Murph has continued his education in many aspects of dentistry, including state-of-the-art training in Trinon Dental Implants and orthodontics. This means he is able to assist any patient, whether they need a general checkup and cleaning or they’re dealing with an unexpected dental emergency. If you have dental pain or notice a sudden change in your mouth, contact the office at (843) 488-4357 or visit the website to schedule your appointment today.