Dental emergencies are typically painful and alarming, but you can make the best out of a bad situation by taking a few simple steps. One of the first things you should do is call your emergency dentist in Cambridge, MA at Fresh Pond Dental. Describe what happened, and we will prepare to treat you as soon as possible — perhaps even on the same day that you call. We will leap into action to help you manage your pain and minimize the damage to your oral health. For compassionate dental care in your time of need, do not hesitate to contact Fresh Pond Dental right away!
It may be easy to panic in a dental emergency, but we urge you to stay calm and take a deep breath. This will help you act quickly and correctly, and it can make all the difference during an emergency dental situation. Here is what you should do next:
Aside from calling our team, what can you do to handle a dental emergency? You can perform some basic first-aid to take the edge off your pain and reduce the risk that further damage will occur to your oral health before you get to our dental office. When you call us, our knowledgeable team will walk you through the most important steps to take to manage your situation before you reach us. Below, we have outlined some important steps that may be wise to take when you are trying to handle specific, common dental emergencies.
The cost of treating your dental emergency will depend on your specific situation. For example, if all you need is a prescription, your cost is likely to be much less than if you need extensive restorative work. After we assess the damage to your oral health, we will discuss your treatment options and their associated costs. We will also be happy to help you file insurance claims or apply for low-interest financing through CareCredit if necessary.
The Fresh Pond Dental team is ready to serve as your emergency dentist in Cambridge. However, we recognize that most dental emergencies are preventable. To spare you from the discomfort and anxiety of an urgent oral health problem, we are providing some practical tips to help you protect your teeth and gums.
It is recommended that everyone visits their dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. At these appointments, we have the opportunity to identify and treat dental problems before they become serious and lead to an emergency. In many cases, we can prevent problems from occurring in the first place. By removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and coaching you on how to care for your smile at home, we can greatly reduce the risk that cavities or gum disease will seriously damage your smile.
At-home oral hygiene prevents plaque and tartar from accumulating on your teeth and leading to serious dental problems. To keep your mouth clean, you should:
Bacteria feed on the sugars found in sweet and starchy foods, which in turn leads to plaque accumulation and cavities. It is best to consume sugar only in moderation. You should also limit your intake of acidic beverages, like sports drinks. Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of tooth-friendly nutrients. For example, dairy products contain calcium and vitamin D, both of which support oral health.
There are two types of mouthguards. One is used to prevent injuries during sports, and the other is designed to prevent teeth grinding at night (bruxism). You can purchase either type of mouthguard from regular retailers. However, custom mouthguards from a dentist are much more effective than those you buy over the counter. Plus, they are more comfortable, so patients are more likely to wear them as directed.
You might be tempted to use your teeth to trim your fingernails or open packages. However, that is not wise. While teeth are very durable, they can still easily break if they are exposed to too much force. It is best to use scissors or another appropriate tool to carry out everyday tasks that you might otherwise use your teeth for. It can take some effort to adjust reserving your teeth only for eating, but the payoff will be a much lower risk that you will face a dental emergency.
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