5 Things That Increase Your Risk of a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone and at any time, even to those who brush and floss regularly. The truth is, even if you practice great dental hygiene, there are still some things that can increase your risk of a dental emergency. Let’s check in with your dentist in Lewisburg to see the top five things that can put you at increased risk. 

  • Chewing Ice. Gnawing on ice may help cool you down but it’s also a good way to damage your teeth. Ice is very hard, and crunching it with your teeth can lead to cracks or chips in your enamel. Not only that, but tiny tooth fractures can occur without you even knowing it, and these small cracks provide an ideal environment for bacteria to settle in, leading to decay and cavities. 
  • Constant Snacking. We understand that snacking on munchies throughout the day can be comforting. However, if you don’t limit how often you snack, you’re constantly exposing your teeth to food. Why is this a concern for your dentist in Lewisburg? Well, food particles feed the bacteria in our mouths, and the more we snack, the more we fuel the bacteria. As a result, these bacteria produce an acidic byproduct. The acid is then left behind, causing damage to tooth enamel and increasing the chance of decay.   
  • Biting Your Nails. An incredibly common yet concerning habit is nail-biting. Not only can biting your nails expose you to germs and bacteria that are hiding underneath, but it can also damage teeth and even cause some jaw problems. 
  • Using Teeth as Tools. Everyone has used their teeth to rip open a pesky package, pull a pen cap off, or hold something when both hands are occupied. But just because everyone has done it doesn’t mean we should. In fact, using teeth to do anything besides chew can greatly increase the chance for damage such as breaking or chipping a tooth or cutting the soft tissues in your mouth. 
  • Smoking. One of the greatest risks to oral health is smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products such as cigars or chewing tobacco. These habits put you at greater risk of oral cancer and discolor your teeth or contribute to gum disease. If not treated, gum disease and oral cancer can lead to other major health problems that can affect the rest of your body. But that’s not all. Tobacco users also have a greater chance of tooth loss. 

We know that breaking habits can be difficult, but your dentist in Lewisburg encourages you to try your best to avoid habits that can put at increased risk of experiencing a dental emergency or other dental problems down the road. Of course, the best way to protect your smile is to visit us at least every six months.*

If you think you have a dental emergency, call your dentist

Serving patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and Williamsport.

*At the time of publishing, the ADA has recommended the postponement of all preventive dental appointments. Please check your local recommendations. 

What To Do For a Dental Emergency

man with dental painNobody ever wants to experience an emergency, including a dental emergency. Dental emergencies, including injuries to the mouth, teeth, or gums, can be painful and scary. Knowing what to do for a dental emergency depends on the nature of the injury. Our dental office in Lewisburg is here to give you some tips on what to do for several of the most common types of dental emergencies.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

The best thing you can do in the event of a dental emergency is to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Lewisburg as soon as possible. But there are some ways you can relieve discomfort and increase the chances of an easier treatment in the meantime.

  • Knocked Out ToothGetting a tooth knocked out can certainly be scary. Acting quickly and calmly can actually help save your tooth, but there are some things you should know. After you find the tooth, only touch the crown and avoid contact with the roots. If you can, put the tooth back into the socket gently. If you can’t, place the tooth in a cup of milk or store it under the tongue with some spit and get to a dentist.
  • Lost FillingThere are a number of things that can cause a filling to fall out, leaving a hole in your tooth. This can be painful as your tooth roots may now be exposed. The best thing to do is to fill the hole to protect those roots. Many pharmacies and grocery stores have dental cement you can buy and use to fill the hole. While this may help reduce pain, it is a temporary solution, and you should still see your dentist as soon as you can.
  • Chipped or Broken ToothAn injury or even something hard and crunchy can chip or break a tooth. Don’t panic. First, find any pieces of the tooth and rinse them off with water. If you’re bleeding, apply a piece of gauze and press. A cold compress can help with the pain and any swelling that may occur. There are many ways a tooth can be fixed, so again, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Avoid a Problem

Even though nobody can really anticipate a dental emergency, you can help reduce your risk of one by making sure you see your dentist in Lewisburg every six months for regular checkups. These visits can help identify any potential problems before they become a painful surprise. You can also watch what you eat and make sure you wear a mouthguard when playing sports to further protect your smile.  

The team at our Lewisburg dental office is here to help our patients and community stay healthy. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Welcoming new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport.