A dental injury involves trauma to your mouth. This can cause a variety of issues, including damaged gums, broken or chipped teeth, and lost or displaced teeth. Dental injuries can vary in terms of severity, but it’s important to address the issue no matter how severe it is. This can ensure your oral health stays in good shape and your teeth stay intact for the long run. Below you will find the top causes of dental injuries and how you can protect yourself.
Top Causes of Dental Injuries
There are a number of causes when it comes to dental injury. Some can be prevented, but others may require you to take preventative measures. Consider the following causes of dental injuries.
Trauma:
One of the more common causes of dental injuries is trauma to your mouth. Impact to your face or mouth can result in a mild to severe dental injury depending on how hard the hit was. This often occurs during intense physical activities, sports, or a car accident. While it’s not entirely preventable, wear a mouthguard when you play sports or do other intense activities to protect your mouth. If you have a serious dental injury caused by trauma, contact an endodontist in Los Angeles right away.
Age:
The natural aging process can make you more prone to dental injuries. This is because your teeth become more brittle with age. Focusing on a good oral care routine and regularly visiting the dentist can help prevent serious oral health issues. Talk with your dentist to see if they have any individualized recommendations for your oral health.
Bruxism:
Bruxism is a condition that causes someone to involuntarily grind or clench their teeth. Over time, this can cause serious issues for your oral health, including worn, flattened, or chipped teeth. It can also cause a number of unwanted symptoms, including headaches, toothaches, earaches, facial pain, and jaw pain and tightness. Grinding or clenching: Habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, also known as bruxism, can cause dental injury over time. Bruxism is usually caused by stress or anxiety so it’s important to treat the underlying issue. However, a mouth guard prescribed by your dentist can be helpful in the meantime.
Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay is highly common, despite being mostly preventable. It can result in dental injuries if not treated right away. This is because cavities can weaken your teeth which makes them more susceptible to damage. Focus on a healthy oral care routine that is consistent. This includes brushing at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also floss at least once a day and use mouthwash with fluoride when you cannot brush after you eat. Regular dental visits are also necessary and you should visit every six months.
Chewing On Hard Objects:
While your teeth are extremely strong, they are not indestructible. Chewing on hard objects can cause injury. Things like pencils or even using your teeth to open things can be damaging. Additionally, chewing on ice, hard candy, or other hard foods can cause chips or breaks.
Fully Available Emergency Dentist
It’s important to seek dental treatment right away if you experience a dental injury. Prompt treatment can help prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome. If you injure yourself outside of regular office hours, Maz Endodontics has a fully available emergency dentist to meet your needs. They are skilled in a variety of dental treatments and have helped patients successfully preserve their oral health despite the injury. Be sure and save their contact information in the event that you have a dental injury.
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