Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime. They can happen due to several reasons, such as eating hard food, biting on hard objects, falling, getting hit in the mouth, etc. Dental emergencies can be very painful, and if not treated on time, they can pose a serious threat to your oral health. 

Here are tips to prevent dental emergencies:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t irritate your gums or cause them to bleed. Ask your dentist for a recommendation and a demonstration on how to properly brush your teeth.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles start to look frayed. If you have an electric toothbrush, replace the head every three months.
• Floss at least once per day to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. This is especially important before bed when the bacteria that cause cavities can accumulate in your mouth. Use a floss threader to help you maneuver the floss into hard-to-reach areas. After you floss, use water to rinse away any debris in your mouth. This will further help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Skip hard foods such as ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy that may crack a tooth. Cut foods into small pieces before eating them to avoid biting down on something hard. Instead, opt for softer foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, ice cream, and other soft fruits and vegetables.
• Whenever possible, use scissors instead of your teeth to cut string, threads, tape, and other materials. Using your teeth may chip or crack your tooth enamel, allowing bacteria to get in and cause an infection.
• Practice good oral hygiene by scheduling your routine dental exams and cleanings at the dentist’s office. During these visits, your dentist will remove built-up tartar and plaque that can damage your oral health.
• Avoid chewing on inedible items such as pens, pencils, fingernails, and other objects that could crack your teeth or cause other damage.
• See your dentist as soon as possible if you experience tooth pain or other complications. Follow all instructions given to you by your dentist for treatment. Dentists use x-rays to view areas of your mouth that are not visible to the naked eye, such as between your teeth or under your gums. These images enable them to identify problems like decay, bone loss, abscesses, cysts, tumors, impacted teeth, and much more. Catching these problems before they progress can save both time and money while allowing you to enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.

Roshan Emam, D.D.S., located in Palo Alto, CA, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care treatments for patients. Call us at (650) 321-0340 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more.