If you ever need emergency dental care, it is reassuring to know that knowledgeable professionals can treat you. You may need immediate attention for the most serious oral health problems. For other issues, you can avoid the trip to the dentist or seek care sooner. Some problems occur suddenly, while others are caused by poor habits. Being aware of the former can help prevent a trip to the emergency dentist.
Bad Habits to Stop to Help you Avoid Dental Emergencies
If you have poor dental habits, you end up with damaged teeth or be at risk of developing more serious oral health problems. Here is a list of bad habits to nip in the bud before you get into a dental emergency.
1 – Using tobacco
Smokers are at greater risk of developing oral health issues. Tobacco users are at higher risk of oral cancer and oral leukoplakia. Smokers are more likely to develop periodontal disease than nonsmokers.
2 – Eating too much sugar and sweets
Eating sweets and sugary foods on a regular basis is a recipe for tooth decay. Sugar will break down tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to tooth decay. If you have cavities, you are at a greater risk of developing a dental emergency.
3 – Drinking alcohol excessively
Heavy drinkers are more likely to develop an overgrowth of oral bacteria. These people are also at greater risk of developing mouth and throat cancers.
4 – Not flossing
Unfortunately, flossing is not a popular activity with many people. However, it is an essential part of your dental routine. If you don’t floss, you are likely to have gum problems. Gums can easily become infected, leading to a dental emergency.
5 – Not visiting the dentist regularly
Regular visits to your dentist are essential for preventing oral health problems. There are various dental problems, such as gum disease, that may not become apparent until it is too late.
6 – Biting into things that aren’t food
This is one of the more common bad tooth habits. People bite into all sorts of objects that aren’t food, such as pens and pencils. These items can easily break or fracture a tooth or chipped teeth. Teeth can also crack if you bite into something hard.
7 – Using your teeth as tools
Another bad habit that causes tooth damage is using your teeth as tools. For example, try to open something with your teeth or by chewing on something hard. If you’t try this, you are less likely to be needing emergency dental care.
Conclusion
When you have a dental emergency, you need to get in touch with a professional dentist immediately. The best bet is to contact an emergency dentist that you could use for regular care if you are in a bind. Your regular dentist may not be available to treat you after hours, so you need to find an emergency dentist that you can trust. However, there is a good chance that dental emergencies are caused by poor dental habits. If you are diligent about changing your habits, you can avoid a trip to the emergency dentist.
Should you ever need after-hours dental care or just want to find a reliable dental clinic, come to Smart Dental Care. We offer same-day crowns and have 3D imaging technology. We’re proud of all the dental services we have to offer, and we’re happy to answer any of your dental questions when you come in for a consultation.