Few situations are more painfully inconvenient than a middle-of-the-night dental emergency. The throbbing toothache. The sudden chip in your front tooth. No matter the issue, they always seem to happen at the worst possible time when your regular dentist isn’t available. Emergency dental trips can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive for procedures that often could have been prevented.
I’ve been an emergency dentist in London for over a decade, and trust me, I’ve seen it all. While accidents happen, many dental emergencies result from poor oral care habits. Use these 10 pro tips I’ve crafted from my years of experience to dodge the dental dilemma drill. They’ll help you maintain healthy teeth and gums so you can keep your pearly whites intact and avoid my urgent care chair.
Tip #1: Brush and Floss Like Your Teeth Depend On It
This first step is Emergency Dentistry 101. Proper brushing and flossing removes the disease-feeding plaque that gets stuck between teeth and along the gum lines. Making plaque removal a priority prevents progressive issues like tooth decay, gum disease, infections and bad breath.
Aim to brush at least twice per day for two minutes using gentle, circular motions. Be sure to hit all surfaces, including the backs of your rear molars. Floss at least once per day, taking your time to remove hidden gunk. Make it your habit rather than an afterthought. Your pearly whites will thank you.
Tip #2: Rinse With a Fluoride Mouthwash
Brushing and flossing does most of the heavy lifting, but adding a fluoride mouthwash into your routine provides extra protection. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, preventing mineral loss that feeds decay. Swishing daily reduces plaque buildup and washes away leftover food particles.
I recommend using mouthwash right before bed so it can work its magic overnight while you sleep. Select an over-the-counter anti-cavity rinse with the ADA Seal of Approval. Using one is an easy way to go above and beyond basic brushing.
Tip #3: Limit Your Sugar Intake
Sugar is like gasoline for the bacteria hiding in your mouth – it helps them thrive and erode your tooth enamel. The sticky film sugary foods leave behind feeds decay. Each acid attack weakens your teeth bit by bit until cavities develop.
Cut down on sweet treats and opt for fruit when you crave something sweet. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugary drinks or candy to wash some of it away. Better yet, switch to unsweetened beverages to starve the bacteria of their favorite food. Remember – every time you eat sugar, you’re putting your precious pearlies at risk.
Tip #4: Pick Smart Snacks
It’s not just candy that endangers your dental health. Starchy and acidic foods also break down enamel, especially if they linger in your mouth. Potato chips, pretzels and citrus pack a double whammy. Say no to sticky and gummy foods that cling to teeth the longest.
Choose better options like cheese, plain yogurt, vegetables, nuts and lean protein. They help produce more saliva to neutralize acids and naturally scrub your teeth. Stay hydrated with plain water which contains no sugar or acid and washes debris away.
Tip #5: Protect Teeth from Impact and Grinding
Cracks, chips and breakage often stem from trauma to teeth. Heavy biting, chewing ice and grinding your teeth erode enamel and set the stage for fractures and fractures. Protect teeth from too much pressure by avoiding hard candies, popsicles, pens/pencils and similar items placed between teeth.
If you play contact sports, talk to your dentist about a custom mouthguard to shield teeth from blows. Have them evaluate you for night grinding and fit you for a night guard if needed to prevent excess wear. Shielding teeth from impact prevents damage that necessitates emergency dental repairs.
Tip #6: Get Regular Dental Checkups
The best offense is a good defense when it comes to dental dilemmas. Visiting your dentist every 6 months allows them to detect issues early before they become dental disasters requiring same day emergency dental treatment in London. Cleanings remove built-up tartar you can’t tackle at home. X-rays and exams screen for small problems not visible to the eye.
Showing up to appointments lets decay and cracks get nipped in the bud through fillings and sealants rather than expanding into root canals, crowns and tooth extractions. It also saves you money over urgent care bills in the long run.
Tip #7: Don’t Delay Treatment
If you do notice signs of dental issues like chips, tooth pain, or gum swelling, don’t wait to get examined. Small problems turn into dental disasters and expensive emergencies without early intervention. Even if you think it’s minor, report symptoms to ensure nothing serious is developing underneath. Catching things early makes treatment easier and saves teeth.
Tip #8: Invest in a Custom Night Guard
If you wake up with jaw pain or show signs of grinding, ask your dentist about a custom night guard to prevent tooth wear, fractures and eventual dental trauma. These affordable mouth guards shield your pearly whites from pressure during nighttime teeth grinding. Worn regularly, they help reinforce the entire chewing system. You’ll safeguard dental work and maintain your smile for years.
Tip #9: Quit Unhealthy Oral Habits
Many poor habits jeopardize long-term dental wellness. Tobacco use, nail biting, teeth grinding, pencil/pen chewing and using teeth as tools can all contribute to fractures, cracks and repeated dental repairs. Be mindful of these behaviors and work to quit them with help from your dentist or doctor. Changing routines pays off through avoided emergency care visits.
Tip #10: Stick to Your Dental Treatment Plan
If you require extensive dental treatment like root canals, gum surgery, bridges or braces, carefully follow all home care instructions. Skipping prescribed rinses, antibiotics or follow-ups leads to failed treatments and complications necessitating urgent fixes. Compliance ensures you fully heal and get the smile you want without requiring additional best emergency dentists care.
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Pair these with the original tips for a comprehensive action plan to keep your pearly whites protected. Let me know if you have any other dental dilemmas I can address with supplementary advice!
Conclusion
A bit of prevention goes a long way when it comes to avoiding emergency dental care visits for severe toothaches, injuries and damage. Follow these 10 tips religiously to keep your pearly whites protected, prevent progressive decay and reduce your risk of fractures or large repairs. They’ll help you dodge the drill and steer clear of after-hours emergency dental care clinics in London. Who knows – you might avoid my chair altogether by being proactive. Just don’t get too confident because I’m always here if you do need me!
