Depending on your lifestyle, you can make a few adjustments to dramatically improve your oral health. 

Our first tip is to improve your oral hygiene routine. Flossing is just as important as brushing. Each day, set aside the time to brush your teeth at least twice, and use dental floss once. 

If you play contact sports, we strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard; this will protect your teeth from impact damage. Those who grind or clench their teeth should wear a night guard while they sleep.

Many patients wonder whether their issue requires immediate treatment or if it can wait until their next dentist appointment. How can you tell the difference?

Pay attention to what you’re experiencing in the present moment. Symptoms of a dental emergency include:

• Severe pain
• Bleeding
• Sudden swelling
• Pus
• Loose teeth
• Cracked or broken tooth

If you have any of the above symptoms, we strongly recommend calling our emergency dental office.

Of all the dental emergencies that can occur, one of the most common is toothache. Perhaps it’s because a sore tooth has many potential causes. It could be due to a cavity, root canal infection, or crack. A few other common types of dental emergencies include:

• Dental abscess 
• Gum disease 
• Broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
• Lost filling or crown
• Persistent toothache

You’ve determined that your dental issue can’t wait until the next day. But now you’re wondering if you should call the dentist or the hospital.

When you’re facing a life-threatening injury, you need immediate attention from a healthcare professional. If you have a broken bone, uncontrollable bleeding, or severe pain, we advise that you call 911.

If your pain persists despite your attempts to treat it (which may include pain medication, wearing a night guard, or using an ice pack), call an emergency dentist.

If you can’t see a dentist immediately, you might be wondering how to manage your pain in the meantime. Here’s what to do:

Do you have bleeding gums? We recommend that you avoid using dental floss until your dentist can treat the injury. To control the bleeding, you can place a washcloth or gauze over the area.

To numb the nerves in your mouth and reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. You can also take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, like ibuprofen. 

When a tooth cracks or breaks, it creates sharp fragments that can injure your tongue or gums. Avoid further damage by placing orthodontic wax or sugarless gum over the area.

When you were a child and you lost a baby tooth, you hardly worried about it; you knew the tooth would grow back! But as an adult, this experience is much more stressful. By taking immediate action, you can increase your chances of saving the tooth.

First, locate the lost tooth. You can gently remove any food fragments or dirt that may be on it using water; just be careful not to rinse the underside of the tooth, which contains the roots. Then, try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. If you can’t, place it in a cup full of cold milk to keep it hydrated.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, you must seek treatment as soon as possible. Doing so will increase your chances of saving the tooth.