3 Simple Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies happen unexpectedly and unpredictably. Dental emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. Dental emergencies cause pain and discomfort, and inconvenience, especially when they are not taken care of immediately. Here are simple ways to prevent dental emergencies:

Brushing Your Teeth Regularly

If you don’t brush and floss enough, food particles can build up in your mouth and around your gums. This makes it easier for bacteria to grow and cause an infection in your gums. These infections can cause pain and even lead to tooth loss if not addressed as soon as possible. So, make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time and floss at least once daily to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

Flossing

When flossing, make sure to use a generous amount of floss and wrap the ends around your pointer fingers to remove any bacteria that may have been left behind from the toothbrush bristles. Then, guide the floss gently between each tooth and up along the gum line to remove plaque and food particles that can cause decay or periodontal disease. Bacteria buildup can lead to painful infections in the mouth that require emergency care if left untreated for too long.

In addition to proper oral hygiene habits at home, regular professional cleanings every six months can also help keep gums healthy and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Using Dental Sealants

Your dentist may recommend that your children or other family members use dental sealants to prevent tooth decay. The thin, plastic coating is painted on the surface of the teeth. This protects them from the acids in plaque and bacteria in the mouth. A sealed tooth has been resistant to decay for many years. Without treatment, the decay can spread to the pits and grooves in the teeth, where food particles can hide. At that point, it can lead to a very serious condition called infection of the pulp tissue inside the tooth, which can result in an abscessed tooth. If you are concerned about the cost of this treatment, talk to your dentist about a plan that works for your family. 

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Korte Family Dentistry at (402) 489-3115 or visit us at 3901 Normal Blvd STE 202, Lincoln, NE 68506. Our friendly team of dental professionals looks forward to seeing you in our office soon!