Preventing Common Dental Emergencies

When you need to see an emergency dentist, chances are you've encountered an unfortunate accident or you're in a lot of pain. Ideally, you'll prevent the need to see a dentist in an emergency altogether. Here are some common dental emergencies and the ways you can prevent them.

Knocked-Out Tooth

The causes of a knocked-out tooth can vary, which means it's not always easy to prevent it from happening. For example, you're not likely to anticipate tripping and falling. Similarly, if you're assaulted or in a car accident, it may come as a surprise. However, if you routinely play contact sports where there's a risk you may lose a tooth, you should wear a mouthguard. If you do lose a tooth, call your emergency dentist and they'll advise you on how to care for it.

Dental Abscesses

In addition to feeling uncomfortable, dental abscesses increase your risk of developing sepsis. Depending on where the abscess occurs, the infection could easily track through vessels that serve other parts of your body. If you want to prevent dental abscesses, consider upgrading your oral hygiene routine. In addition to brushing your teeth and using mouthwash, make sure to floss and clean between your teeth. Doing so means you remove some of the particles that make it easier for bacteria to thrive, which then reduces your risk of infection.

Post-extraction bleeding

Post-extraction bleeding isn't an unusual occurrence. However, when that bleeding doesn't slow down or becomes heavier, you may be dealing with a dental emergency. The simplest way to prevent post-extraction bleeding is by following your dentist's instructions. For example, they may recommend that you don't use that side of your mouth for eating for a short while. Likewise, they could advise that you don't dislodge the dressing they apply. If your bleeding concerns you at any point, always ask your dentist for advice.

Lost Fillings

While losing a filling is a more mild dental emergency, you need to address the situation quickly to keep your teeth safe. If you'd rather wait for a dental appointment that isn't out of hours, you can use a temporary filling kit until you see your usual dentist. However, this isn't a long-term solution. To prevent your fillings from falling out, attend your regular dental check-ups and avoid chewing anything that's too tough. If your filling does fall out, ask your dentist about using a tougher solution at your next treatment. For more information, contact an emergency dentist.


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