Who is most at risk for a dental emergency?
During the course of our lives, we encounter different experiences that can put us at higher risk for dental emergencies. The truth is that dental emergencies can happen at any time in our lives, and have different causes. Here are a few common causes for dental emergencies in children, adults and seniors.
Children
Children are curious and often have active lives, which comes with its own set of hazards such as sports-related 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.
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.
The likelihood of developing most of these conditions can be reduced or prevented by going to routine checkups at the dentist's so they can track your oral history. Also, proper brushing and flossing play a huge role in preventing oral health issues.
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 need tooth restorations such as dental implants to help alleviate 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 in to your overall risk of experiencing a dental emergency.