Dental emergencies, such as damaged teeth and even knocked out teeth, could lead to discomfort and over time, major complications. Which is why we want to offer tips for preventing these emergencies when possible. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about preventing common dental emergencies.
Wearing a Mouthguard
If you play sports or engage in other activities that risk damaging teeth, such as boxing or martial arts, we urge you to always wear a mouthguard. Injuries can happen on the field or the court, and the right protection can help safeguard your teeth and gums. You can purchase one from a sporting goods store, as there are many affordable boil-and-bite options available. You could also talk to our team about a custom-made option, which could provide a better level of protection since it is made specifically for your smile. Wearing a mouthguard helps lower the risk of cracked, chipped or knocked-out teeth, and helps cushion the blow of an injury to protect your gums, cheeks, and jawbone too.
Caring for Your Smile
Good oral hygiene is another way to help protect your smile. When you take steps that prevent the onset of dental cavities and infection, you keep your teeth strong and less susceptible to injury. You should see our team for a checkup and cleaning every six months, so we can keep a close eye on your smile and address possible issues in the earliest stages. We will also examine the teeth to remove harmful buildup that could cause cavities and periodontal issues. At home, be sure you brush and floss daily and avoid too much sugar in your diet. These actions help prevent tooth decay and infection, so your teeth are more resilient.
Dental Emergency Care
If an injury does happen, then contact our team right away! You can control bleeding in the meantime with cloth or gauze, and use a cold compress to control facial swelling. Gather any pieces of your tooth if it is broken and bring them with you. If your tooth has been knocked out, place it in a glass of milk or salt water, but don’t touch the roots in the process. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. If you reach us during our normal business hours, we will try to arrange a same-day appointment. If we are closed, leave a message and a team member will reach out soon to schedule an appointment time for you!
If you have any questions about our approach to dental emergency care, or how to help lower the risk of injured teeth, then contact our team.
Learn More About Restoring Your Smile
Our team wants to help address dental emergency situations and safeguard your smile. To schedule an appointment and protect your smile from injury and complications, then just contact Robert M. Browne DDS in Prairie Village, KS by calling (913) 901-8585.