Nobody expects to have a dental emergency when they start their day. However, emergency dentistry in San Jose can help save your tooth if you’ve ever encountered an emergency during your daily activities. While emergency dentistry is easy enough to understand, there’s more to it than immediate care.
Various people have different ideas about what a dental emergency is. While some people seek emergency dental care for a damaged tooth, others won’t go until their tooth is knocked out of their mouth. If you want to learn more about emergency dentistry, here are some facts you should know.
Essential Facts About Emergency Dentistry
How Do I Handle a Dental Emergency?
SET AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR EMERGENCY DENTIST
In times of emergency, it’s advisable to see a dental expert rather than browsing the internet or posting on social media for guidance. When you call during an emergency, your dentist or their staff can walk you through the procedures for handling your crisis before arriving at their office. Never rely on the advice of random people on the internet for help; instead, go directly to a professional.
RELAX AND DON’T PANIC
When there’s a dental emergency, panicking will only make things worse. Maintaining your composure not only will it improve your ability to think clearly but will also lower your blood pressure, which makes managing the pain more manageable. Relax and assess the situation as much as possible before calling your emergency dentist.
How Can I Avoid a Dental Emergency?
OBSERVE PROPER ORAL HYGIENE
Even if you practice good dental hygiene daily, frequent brushing and flossing won’t eliminate plaque buildup. Without routine dental cleanings, plaque and bacteria can still combine to form tartar, which turns your teeth yellow or brown. In addition, tartar buildup can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and receding gum lines, all of which may necessitate emergency dental care down the line.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR ORAL HEALTH
It’s better if you don’t ignore tooth discomfort regardless of whether it lasts for a long time. An infection that could potentially damage your teeth could already be brewing underneath your gums. The sooner you visit an emergency dentist, the better your chances are of having your tooth saved.
Along with changes to your teeth and gums, you should be aware of any wounds, sores, or ulcers on the lips, tongue, or inside of your cheeks. Any sign of these symptoms should be checked or treated immediately to prevent further damage to your oral health. It’s better to avoid any damage in the first place than needing to go to your emergency dentist later.
USE MOUTHGUARDS
If you participate in contact sports like boxing, wrestling, and football, you should take precautions to lower your risk of receiving a blow to the face or mouth. It’s best to wear a specially constructed mouthguard because these dental injuries can chip, shatter, or knock out one or several teeth. To prevent damaging their teeth, patients suffering from bruxism are also encouraged to wear mouthguards when sleeping.
Are You Interested in Emergency Dentistry in San Jose?
Here at the Center for Advanced Dentistry, we want what’s best for our patients. Our team can assist you in your time of need and help you recover from your dental emergency. Contact us today to make an appointment.