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It’s a mild, spring day and you have plans to head out to do some shopping, when all of a sudden, you’re struck by a severe pain that radiates throughout one side of your face. Unfortunately, you have a toothache and need immediate attention. As you read on, your emergency dentist in Oak Hill will explain why you shouldn’t hesitate to get the help you need, even if you’ve been negligent in your oral care.

WHY IS A TOOTHACHE A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

The onset of a toothache is considered a dental emergency because it’s usually the result of advanced decay. Thus, a bacterial infection has reached a climax in your tooth, impacting your nerves and sending strong pain signals.

Furthermore, any condition that causes a sudden and detrimental change in your oral health is deemed a dental emergency. In the case of a toothache, it’s important to act quickly to hinder the further movement of harmful bacteria.

BUT I’M EMBARRASSED

Some people are hesitant to contact their dentist in an emergency situation because they’ve been inconsistent in maintaining dental visits. It’s important, though, to not let that stop you, because you have a limited window of opportunity to get the help you need to restore your normal function.

Furthermore, the discomfort you’re experiencing is your body’s way of alerting you of danger and to provide you with a chance to correct issues that have been neglected for too long.

HOW CAN I PREVENT DENTAL EMERGENCIES FROM HAPPENING?

While there’s no guarantee of a way to prevent all emergencies from happening, there are ways to offset the kind that are related to oral care. Here are some tips to keep in mind that will help you to avoid these unfortunate situations:

• Maintain Semi-Annual Dental Visits – After you get the help you need to restore your normal function, you have a great opportunity to start a new trend of maintaining regular visits with your dentist for cleanings and examinations. They serve as a way to clear away harmful plaque and bacteria, and to prevent any developing problems from fully manifesting.
• Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene – Another key component in preventing dental emergencies is to practice consistent oral hygiene. That should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. To experience the maximum benefits, you can also use a mouthwash and tongue scraper to clear away excess bacteria.
• Monitor the Foods You Eat – Just as you need food for sustenance, so do the bacteria living in your mouth. Thus, when you eat, if there are leftover food particles, the bacteria lurking will flock to them to feed. If the leftovers have a high sugar content, then the growth of the troublesome bacteria happens rapidly. A simple remedy is to eat less processed foods and substitute fresh fruits and vegetables for them.

Keep these tips in mind to help protect your mouth, teeth and gums. If you are in an emergency situation, though, your dentist in Oak Hill is available to restore your health.

About the Author

A graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Jack Fan takes pride in guiding each of his patients to excellent oral health. If you’re in an emergency situation, he is capable of delivering the expert care needed to restore normalcy to your life. Dr. Fan practices at The Dental Centre and can be reached for more information through his website.