Everyone loves summer! Long fun-filled days and the joys of the outdoors. There are lots of adventures like swimming and camping and of course sports. Along with all of the fun comes an increased risk that you or your kids might have a dental emergency. Make sure that you are taking every precaution that you can to help mitigate these risks. Let’s take a look at the most common dental emergencies that happen over summer vacations and how you can help prevent them.
Common Summer Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can happen anytime, but the summer poses some specific threats to keep in mind. Accidents are more likely to happen during high-impact activities and in unfamiliar environments, both of which are more common on a summer vacation.
Lost Dental Crown
Lost dental crowns can happen anytime, but because it is one of the most common dental emergencies, it is one you may encounter over the summer. Don’t be too worried over a lost crown. It can easily be fixed.
A lost dental crown is a reason to see an emergency dentist. If you let this go too long, you can easily develop a cavity or sustain other damage. You may also experience extreme sensitivity where the crown was lost.
Lost Filling
Like losing a crown, losing a dental filling is a fairly common issue and can really happen anytime. Its prevalence is why you could end up dealing with a lost or loose filling over the summer break.
A lost filling leaves a tooth exposed and much like a lost crown can cause some discomfort or sensitivity. Call your dentist to have the filling repaired as soon as possible.
Dental Emergencies Caused By Damaged Braces
Vigorous activity and the unique circumstances of summer can mean broken or damaged brackets, braces or wires. If a bracket has become loose, you might be able to wait until your next dental appointment if it is scheduled already. However, if you have protruding wires or painful issues you may need to see an emergency dentist.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Dental emergencies can happen while swimming, rock climbing, running, and regular play, as well as playing sports. All of these can provide the opportunity for a tooth to get knocked out.
If possible, find the tooth and rinse it off. Place it into the socket if you can. If not, keep the tooth in saline or milk. Contact an emergency dentist as soon as possible. The faster you get help, the better your chances of saving the tooth are.
Broken or Chipped Teeth
Short of getting a tooth knocked out, teeth can become broken or chipped. This can happen because of an accident during physical activities or it can happen while chewing especially hard food.
Broken or chipped teeth should be addressed immediately before the damage can become worse. Even if you don’t feel pain immediately, contact an emergency dentist right away.
Tips to Prevent Summer Dental Emergencies
When it comes to preventing summer dental emergencies, take every safety precaution that you can. Most dental injuries occur because of accidents like falls and collisions. Being careful and following general safety precautions is the best place to start trying to avoid these.
Another major risk to the mouth and teeth can be summer sports. Always wear a mouth guard when participating in sports, even as a casual player. Weekend warriors are no less likely to face an injury than a professional player is.
Emergency Dentist in Oxnard
Dental emergencies need to be treated as quickly as possible for the best results. If you have a dental emergency and need help, contact Bella Dental right away.