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 occur at any time in our lives and for a variety of reasons. The following are some of the most common causes of dental emergencies in children, adults, and seniors.
Children
Children frequently lead active lifestyles that include physical activity as well as risks such as sports injuries. They should also limit the number of sugary snacks they consume, as sugar can cause tooth decay and early cavities.
Injuries to the teeth due to blows to the mouth during physical activity can be prevented by wearing a custom-made sports mouthguard.
From the time their first tooth erupts through the gumline, children need to see their dentist regularly and practice a great at-home oral hygiene routine to ensure their teeth develop properly. This will help them build a solid foundation for oral health throughout their lives.
Adults
As we age, our teeth can become discoloured and we can experience decay. That’s why a rigorous at-home oral care routine and regularly scheduled dental appointments are critical to maintaining oral health and keeping cavities, gum disease and other conditions at bay.
Between the ages of 17 and 25, wisdom teeth may also erupt, potentially resulting in a dental emergency if they cause severe tooth pain. Infections in our teeth can also lead to pain and discomfort, and result in urgent visits to the dentist.
Most of these can be avoided or at least reduced by visiting our dentist on a regular basis so that he or she can monitor our oral health and treat any conditions that arise. Also, remember to brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis.
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.
Grinding can result in jaw pain or TMJ Disorder, and gum disease may advance to the point that the gums begin to recede. This can leave tooth roots exposed - and lead to painful infections or conditions that may result in dental emergencies that need our dentist’s immediate attention.
Many seniors will also require dental implants to deal with certain conditions or unexpected dental emergencies or problems that arise.
Your dentist can assess your oral health and provide a dental risk assessment regardless of your age, taking into account your lifestyle and any unique circumstances that may contribute to your overall risk of experiencing a dental emergency.