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 often lead active lifestyles that see them being physically active but also facing hazards such as sports injuries. They also need to watch how many sugary snacks they are eating, 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.
To ensure that their teeth develop properly, children should see their dentist on a regular basis and practice good at-home oral hygiene from the time their first tooth erupts through the gum line. This will assist them in establishing a strong foundation for oral health throughout their lives.
Adults
Our teeth can become discoloured and decayed as we get older. That is why a strict at-home oral care routine and regular dental appointments are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing cavities, gum disease, and other conditions.
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 prevented or at least minimized by seeing our dentist regularly so he or she can track oral health and any conditions that should be treated. Also, 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.
Grinding can cause jaw pain or TMJ Disorder, 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 result in dental emergencies requiring our dentist's immediate attention.
Many seniors will also need dental implants to deal with certain conditions or sudden dental emergencies or issues that come up.
No matter what your age, your dentist can assess your oral health and provide a dental risk assessment, taking into account your lifestyle and unique circumstances that may factor into your overall risk of experiencing a dental emergency.
