What To Do When You Have A Dental Emergency

Have you ever experienced a dental emergency in your entire life? You need not worry since dental emergencies occur more frequently than you imagine. When a dental emergency arises, people often hesitate to contact their dentist because they are unsure whether the situation requires emergency care and whether their insurance will pay for the necessary treatment. Many dental issues are merely dental problems that have gone untreated and result in discomfort and inflammation rather than dental emergencies.

Various forms of dental emergencies exist, some of which are more urgent than others. Do not hesitate to call your dentist or go to the emergency room if you are in excruciating pain, have a fever, or have swelling or bleeding that cannot be left unattended. Although some issues might not be as urgent, putting off dental treatment could lead to more serious oral problems in the days to come. It’s ideal to become familiar with dental emergencies and what to do in case of an accident.

What are some of the most common causes of dental emergencies?

You might suffer a dental emergency if you fall off your bike, get in a car accident, get injured playing sports, or even fall down the stairs at work. To avoid dental injuries, you should always be cautious when engaging in sports and wear appropriate protective gear, such as a mouth guard. 

Drinking from glass bottles should always be done with additional caution, and avoid hard candies as they can easily break or crack teeth. An infection can also cause a dental abscess, which, if left untreated, can become life-threatening.

What are some of the most prevalent dental emergencies?

A knocked-out tooth, an infected abscess in your tooth, or a severe toothache are all instances of dental emergencies. Whenever you suffer trauma to your mouth, such as a broken or missing tooth, or have severe tooth pain, you should always seek emergency care with your dentist.

An infection in the mouth that results in a tooth abscess is another type of dental emergency. A dental abscess can cause more serious oral problems if not treated, so you should see your dentist immediately.

The following typical dental issues require treatment as soon as possible, even though they may not be dental emergencies.

Are toothaches treated as dental emergencies?

A toothache may not be a dental emergency, even though you shouldn’t disregard it. It is crucial to treat toothaches before further symptoms emerge because they are often warning signs of underlying dental issues.

If you experience pain in your tooth, mouth, or jaw, contact your dentist, who will determine whether you require urgent treatment.

How do I know if I have a dental emergency?

Not all dental problems necessitate the need for emergency dental treatment. When experiencing direct trauma to your mouth, teeth, or gums, or if you are experiencing severe pain, you should contact your dentist right away, as you may need immediate treatment.

Delaying the treatment of dental injuries could develop into even more severe dental and health issues. Getting in touch with your dentist as soon as possible is always a good idea, and your dentist can advise you on an appropriate treatment plan or steps to take based on the severity of your issue.

How do I respond to a dental emergency?

Never hesitate to call your doctor right away. Treating dental trauma at home or waiting for the symptoms to worsen is not a good idea. You should take the following actions and get in touch with your doctor right away if your tooth is knocked out or becomes loose from your gums for any reason:

  • If the displaced tooth is dirty, rinse it in milk.
  • Replace the tooth in the cavity and secure it with gauze. Because the teeth should only be out of the mouth for no more than one hour, this could mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth.
  • Rinse and save the pieces of chipped or broken teeth in milk if feasible.

Dentistry on Dunn: Oakville Family Dentists are always ready to treat dental emergencies and other dental issues. If you have a dental emergency, make an appointment with us to help you better. One of our experienced dentists will evaluate you and guide you through the initial steps and treatment options.

Advantages & Benefits Of Flossing

We usually overlook the advantages and benefits of flossing, which can only partially be replaced by brushing your teeth. Can you fathom having a healthy and hygienic dental without flossing? It would be similar to living somewhere without sidewalks where the only thing preventing food and plaque from getting on your teeth is some sort of suction. Most individuals only floss their teeth occasionally. While initially, this might not seem like a major deal, it can cause issues in the future. Gum disease, for example, has been related to an increased chance of heart disease and stroke, whereas tooth decay can cause cavities and pain when chewing certain foods. Regular flossing will help reduce these potential risks.

There are numerous things in our lives that we know we should be doing every day to attain optimal health, but we don’t. Working out, having a balanced diet, keeping a diary, and meditating are some of the few everyday “tasks”  we frequently fail to complete. Flossing suffices all these descriptions. Most people manage to clean their teeth twice a day, but how many of us follow our dentist’s advice to floss? The figure is significantly lower than it should be. The advantages and benefits of flossing should be our primary concern instead of preaching about these issues.

Benefits Of Flossing

The advantages & benefits of flossing your teeth are many. Among these advantages are cavity prevention, plaque reduction, and mouth freshening. If you have any questions or would like more information about the significance of flossing, make an appointment with the Oakville family dentist, Dentistry on Dunn. Dr. Sucheta Haobam will help you make an informed decision by providing you with all the facts on whether to start this healthy practice for yourself.

When meeting new patients, one of the first things dentists look for is whether or not they routinely use dental floss. Everyone should take care of their oral health by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, as this can help avoid gum disease and cavities, among other things.

Prevents Gum Diseases

Prevention of gum diseases is one of the primary benefits of flossing. Flossing is the most effective way to prevent gum disease and its predecessor, gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum inflammation that can result in teeth loss and other health problems. Gingivitis produces swollen and painful gum tissue. Additionally, you could experience bleeding in or around your molars. In addition to aging, certain conditions, such as diabetes, smoking, stress, or pregnancy, can cause these symptoms. Good oral hygiene practices are the most effective way to avoid this condition, such as using fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. If you have any of the symptoms of gingivitis, see a dentist right away for therapy before it worsens!

Regular flossing significantly lowers the risk of getting gingivitis. It is significant to note that gingivitis is one of the most widespread illnesses in North America, affecting more than 1 in 8 Americans alone.

Prevents Plaque

Plaque is a sticky material that can build up on teeth, causing decay and gum disease. It all begins with bacteria adhering to the surface of your teeth. Because oral bacteria continuously produce plaque, it constantly develops on your teeth. The prolonged presence of plaque can cause cavities or gum disease as minerals from the saliva adhere to it.

Nevertheless, there are numerous methods to avoid plaque formation. For instance, brushing your teeth after each meal is a simple method to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. Additionally, since dental floss can readily reach areas between teeth that toothbrush bristles cannot, it is advisable to use it frequently to help remove debris from these areas.

Prevents Tooth Decay

The bacteria in your mouth are the main reason for dental decay. Bacteria eat sugar in food and then produce acid that damages teeth. After eating, we frequently clean our teeth to get rid of the food debris and plaque, but it’s also crucial to rinse with water to prevent the acid from remaining on our teeth for too long. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day.

Basics Of Flossing

Flossing involves using a fine thread to clean your teeth and gums. The process can be done by hand or with an electric toothbrush, which can also remove plaque from hard-to-reach places. Daily flossing removes food scraps, germs, and plaque that can build up over time in these places. For healthy oral hygiene habits, the American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day for two minutes or brushing your teeth three times daily for two minutes each.

Step-by-step instructions for flossing your teeth:

Step 1:

Wrap a length of floss roughly the length of your fingertip to your elbow around both middle fingers, leaving about 4 inches between your fingers.

Step 2:

  • Slide the floss between your teeth using your middle fingers and the thread. 
  • With the floss wrapped in a “C” shape around the tooth’s root and below the gum line, use it to scrape the sides of your teeth. 
  • Scrape the teeth from the base to the tip two or three times.
  • Make sure to floss both sides of every tooth, including the molars in the rear of your mouth.
  • As the floss starts to deteriorate and gather debris, switch to another portion of the floss, and you can discard the thread into the garbage.
  • It is more efficient to brush your teeth after flossing than it is to floss first.

Bleeding

Many individuals have to floss every day. Given that the typical person has about 100 teeth to clean between their gums and the spaces in between, the procedure can be uncomfortable and occasionally painful. To avoid gum disease, for example, everyone must continue to do so at least once per day. If you discover yourself bleeding while or after flossing, don’t panic and stop instantly! When using dental floss to clean your teeth, there are some steps you can take to help avoid any harm or discomfort from recurring. Continue reading to learn how to prevent bleeding while flossing!

Flossing can cause bleeding, and it is typical for gums to bleed slightly when you first begin flossing. It is due to flossing causing your gums to swell and draw away from your teeth, exposing more gum tissue. For people who find flossing unpleasant, it’s worth learning how to avoid bleeding during flossing to keep their mouths healthy. To prevent this problem, use waxed dental tape instead of traditional dental thread because it is gentler on your gums. 

Additionally, before flossing, use a water pick or irrigator to clear plaque buildup beneath the gum line.

Types Of Floss

  • Unwaxed floss consists of roughly 35 fine strands twisted together to form a single, thin strand. It slips into teeth that are closely spaced but are more prone to shredding.
  • Waxed floss: The type of floss you typically consider is waxed. It is less apt to shred, but it is more challenging to get into small spaces.
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) floss: The high-tech substance used to make Gore-Tex clothing is also used to make polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) floss.
  • Dental Tape: Compared to regular floss, dental tape is broader and flatter. It can also be waxed or unwaxed. People with wider gaps between their teeth usually find it more pleasant.
  • Super Floss: When threaded through braces, wires, or bridges, super floss is composed of a material that resembles yarn but has stiffer sections on each end.
  • Floss Holder: Children learning to floss or with restricted dexterity use floss holders, but they are less effective than regular floss. If you have difficulty flossing your teeth with just floss, dental floss holders can help. 
  • Interdental picks: Rubber or nylon bristles make up the bristles of interdental picks. These picks, like floss holders, are usually used to reach wider gaps between the teeth but are not effective as thread floss.

Also Read: The Importance Of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular Dental Check-Ups In Oakville

Regular Dental Checkups In Oakville will ensure your oral health is in good shape and identify any problems immediately. Preventing oral health problems at the right time is the best method to deal with them. The right preventive and restorative care can be obtained through regular dental checkups, allowing you to identify possible problems before they worsen.

While going to the dentist once every six months may not be something that everyone looks forward to, it is one of the most crucial appointments to maintain. Consider all the risks if you are thinking about skipping regular dental checkups due to expenses or another issue like time or dental anxiety. The long-term cost of not attending your dentist will almost certainly be much higher in terms of your wallet and your mental health.

The following are some of the significant benefits of regular dental checkups in Oakville:

1. Avoid future oral problems

There are other aspects of oral health to consider, although you might believe a dentist only cares for your teeth. The benefits of regular dental visits include the dentist spotting concerns that could develop into severe issues in the future. It is possible for them to immediately provide treatment if they notice that you have a small cavity or that the health of your gums isn’t good.

Due to their inability to see a specialist quickly enough, many individuals having plaque buildup and gum disease go unnoticed. The dentist can detect early indications of oral cancer or other severe oral problems.

2. Keep your teeth safe

An infected tooth may require extraction if it has decayed and rotted beyond repair. Because you only have one set of adult teeth, losing any of them forever can be bad for your oral health. It is possible to lose teeth and suffer from various problems in your mouth, including your teeth shifting by themselves. It might make you feel uncomfortable and alter the way you usually grin. One of the benefits of routine dental visits is that they can save your teeth by preventing irreversible damage.

3. Oral cancer detection

There are many different ways that oral cancer can present itself, and it is known to be a very severe illness. Many people misdiagnose oral cancer because they are unaware of the early warning signs and symptoms, and it can advance quickly and become life-threatening. Fortunately, early-onset oral cancer is frequently treatable.

With regular dental checkups, your dentist is experienced and well-trained to identify these symptoms, increasing the likelihood of detecting oral cancer on time. A VELscope Cancer screening is non-invasive, painless, and only takes a minute or two. With the help of a special light flashed inside the mouth, the examination detects undetectable indications of dead tissue brought on by tumors.

4. Education on Good Dental Health

Many people require education and knowledge on how to keep up with good dental health over time. Well, this is possible for the patients by having regular dental checkups. Most people brush their teeth every day but completely overlook flossing their teeth. Although it may not seem like a major issue now, it could eventually result in more severe problems.

Even simple habits like brushing your teeth after meals and flossing at least once a day can help to reduce bacteria in your mouth and promote overall health.  Regular dental checkups will allow your dentist to watch your oral health, which may be necessary if you require a more individualized dental hygiene regimen.

5. Professional tooth cleaning

Plaque and tartar that are impossible to remove with regular brushing and flossing will be removed from your teeth by experts at your semi-annual dental examination. Plaque and tartar on your teeth can lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation, and other oral issues. A dental cleaning is also less expensive than fillings, crowns, and other restorative procedures.

6. Keep teeth looking great

A dental check-up can also provide cosmetic advantages. In most cases, the dentist will conduct a routine cleaning procedure on the same day as the check-up. Removing plaque and tartar accumulation from the teeth and the gum line can help lower the possibility of teeth stains forming. The dental examination offers the dentist the chance to advise patients on cosmetic dental procedures and give them advice on how to whiten their smiles.

7. Provide you with ease of mind

Your oral health issues or dental pain may give you sleepless nights. There are some conditions that, if left untreated, could have very adverse effects, such as keeping a decayed molar in your mouth for an extended period. So, you need to consult your dentist frequently.

A dentist can monitor the health of your mouth, relieve pain, and suggest a follow-up plan. All these factors can make one live more stress-free and fret less about potential problems.

You may schedule an appointment with our Oakville Family Dentist, Dentistry on Dunn for regular dental checkups in Oakville. We are glad to answer any questions. While we provide restorative care, we can assist our patients in averting problems before they arise.

Also Read: How Do Eating Disorders Affect Your Oral Health

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