Dental emergencies are more common as we age, and different factors including our dental history, lifestyle and medical history can increase the risk of a dental emergency.
The reality is, dental emergencies can happen at any time due to aging, poor hygiene, sports accidents, habits such as Bruxism (teeth grinding), and a wide range of other contributing factors over time.
In this article, our team of Collingwood dentists break down who is most at risk and what you can do to prevent a dental emergency:
Children, Sugar & Active Lifestyles
Many children lead active lifestyles, increasing the inherent risk of a sports injury. If your child participates in active sports, encourage them to wear mouthguards to protect their teeth in the event of body-to-body contact. A mouthguard can also decrease the chances of a knocked-out tooth due to blows to the mouth, which happen more frequently than you may believe.
Parents should also be wary of sugary snacks—most children love eating sweets, sometimes to excess. As a consistent habit in conjunction with poor hygiene, sugary food may potentially lead to tooth decay and early cavities. Be mindful of the number of snacks your child consumes, and limit their intake to help them maintain a healthy smile. These are habits and life skills that your child will take with them into their adulthood years, helping to prevent oral healthcare concerns in the future.
Early Oral Healthcare Habits
It is a must that children attend dental appointments regularly for maintenance, examinations, and professional cleanings. It is recommended that children see a dentist from the time their first tooth erupts through their gum line, and it is equally crucial for children to develop a great at-home oral hygiene routine.
Parents should ideally educate their children on the importance of brushing and flossing daily and make this a part of their everyday routine. This will ensure your child’s teeth develop correctly and help them build a solid foundation for oral health.
Adults, Accumulation & Wisdom Teeth
It’s natural for teeth to become discoloured and decayed as we age, so a consistent at-home oral care routine is necessary; Adults need to brush and floss daily and attend dental appointments at least twice a year or as prescribed by your dentist.