As we get older, our lifestyle, medical and dental history, and other factors can make us more vulnerable to dental emergencies. Our Ottawa dentists explain who is most vulnerable to a dental emergency and how to avoid it.
Who is most at risk for a dental emergency?
We face various challenges throughout our lives that put us at risk for a dental emergency. The truth is that dental emergencies can strike at any time and for a variety of reasons. A few common causes of dental emergencies in children, adults, and seniors are listed below.
Children
Children frequently lead active lifestyles in which they engage in physical activity while also being exposed to risks such as sports injuries. They should also limit the number of sugary snacks they consume, as sugar can lead to tooth decay and early cavities.
Wearing a custom-made sports mouthguard can prevent tooth injuries caused by blows to the mouth during physical activity.
To ensure that their teeth develop properly, children should see their dentist regularly and follow a good at-home oral hygiene routine from the time their first tooth erupts through the gum line. This will aid them in establishing a strong foundation for oral health for the rest of their lives.
Adults
Our teeth can become discoloured as we get older, and we can get cavities. That's why maintaining oral health and avoiding cavities, gum disease, and other conditions requires a strict at-home oral care routine and regular dental appointments.
Wisdom teeth may also erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, posing a dental emergency if they cause severe tooth pain. Infections in our teeth can cause pain and discomfort, necessitating emergency dental visits.
Most of these can be avoided or at least reduced by visiting our dentist regularly so that he or she can monitor our oral health and treat any conditions that require treatment. Remember to brush and floss daily.
Seniors
By the time we reach our golden years, we’ve had a lot of life experience – but also many opportunities for our oral health to decline. After a lifetime of use, our teeth can endure wear and tear.
Jaw pain or TMJ Disorder can result from grinding, and gum disease can progress to the point where the gums recede. This can expose tooth roots, resulting in painful infections or conditions that may necessitate immediate dental attention from our dentist.
Many seniors will require dental implants to address certain conditions or unexpected dental emergencies or issues.
Your dentist can evaluate your oral health and provide a dental risk assessment regardless of your age, taking into account your lifestyle and unique circumstances that may contribute to your overall risk of experiencing a dental emergency.