How to Reduce Your Risk of a Dental Emergency
There’s never a good time to have a dental emergency. That’s why we recommend that you always call our emergency dentist in Wyoming, Michigan, at the first sign of dental pain or discomfort. The sooner Dr. Langellier can see you, the sooner he’ll be able to diagnose and treat the source of your pain.
That being said, there’s a lot you can do to prevent a dental emergency from happening in the first place.
Here’s everything you need to know to reduce your risk of needing emergency dental care.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Dental plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that lives inside your mouth. After you eat, it feeds on any sugar particles left behind and creates an acid that attacks your teeth and gums.
If left untreated, plaque buildup will combine with the minerals in your saliva and become tartar. While you can , only a dental professional can remove tartar during your next teeth cleaning appointment.
In the meantime, make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. If you have metal braces or clear aligners, you should be brushing your teeth after every meal. Also, floss once a day to remove any plaque or food particles that could be hiding between teeth.
Brushing and flossing your teeth is like weeding a garden. It takes consistent effort to maintain a healthy smile for life.
Don’t Skip Teeth Cleaning Appointments
In general, we recommend that our patients get routine teeth cleanings and oral exams every six months. Keep in mind that our dentist may recommend more frequent visits if he needs to monitor a chronic health condition, such as periodontitis. Each patient is different, which is why Dr. Langellier will tailor your treatment plan to your oral health needs.
During a dental cleaning, we’re able to remove plaque and tartar buildup. We may also take X-rays depending on how long it’s been since your last ones. Your X-rays will help us detect any oral health issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth or jawbone deterioration.
Wear a Sports Mouth Guard
Do you play a contact sport like hockey or football? If so, our dentist may recommend that you to protect your smile while you play. A mouth guard is an oral appliance (similar to a night guard) that fits over your top teeth.
In the event you’re hit in the face, your mouth guard will help absorb some of the impact and reduce your risk of dental trauma. For example, it’s very easy to break or lose a tooth if someone tackles you on the football field. But a sports mouth guard will help you avoid a dental emergency during practices and games.
Request an Appointment with Us
Dr. Eric Langellier is an experienced emergency dentist in Wyoming, Michigan. He’s also accepting new patients and will do everything in his power to restore your smile and oral health. To request an appointment, please call Bowtie Dental at (616) 532-9003. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.