Emergency Dentistry – Chevy Chase, MD

Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Your biannual dental visits aren’t optional. Quite the opposite; they play an important role in keeping your smile happy and healthy. In fact, your routine checkups with Dr. Yu ensure that she can catch minor issues before they spiral into full-blown emergencies. Plus, the cleaning portion of your appointments allow our dental hygienists to remove built-up plaque and tartar, which helps prevent common oral health problems as well.

Brush and Floss Consistently

Committing to good oral hygiene habits at home won’t just keep your teeth strong; it will reduce your risk of gum disease, damaged restorations, bad breath, and several other unpleasant consequences. So, if you aren’t already, start brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste twice a day (and for two full minutes each time). Then, before you go to bed at night, floss and rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash.

Stick to a Nutritious Diet

While some foods, like hard pretzels, peanut brittle, and taffy, increase your risk of dental damage, others benefit your oral health. That’s why we encourage our patients to do their best to stick to a well-balanced diet filled with lots of nutrient-dense foods, like seasonal fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, remove food particles from your teeth, and prevent dry mouth!

Wear a Mouthguard When You Play Sports

It goes without saying that you should wear a mouthguard during contact sports, like football. What many patients don’t realize, however, is that it’s beneficial to wear one during non-contact sports as well, like surfing and skateboarding. That way, if you accidentally fall, your smile will be protected from the impact, reducing your risk of sustaining a serious dental injury.

Tip: Have a nightguard made if you grind your teeth too!

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

One of the easiest ways to crack a tooth or cut your gums is by using your teeth as tools. That’s why we advise against using them to remove bottle caps, tear off plastic wrapping, or break up ice cubes. On a similar note, you shouldn’t use tobacco products, put the back of your pen or pencil in your mouth, or bite your nails.

How Should I Sleep with a Toothache?

Toothaches can get worse at night because there's less to focus on and certain factors can trigger pain. You can ensure you don't spend the night tossing and turning by avoiding anything hard, chewy, hot, or cold foods before going to bed. Use salt water to rinse your mouth before calling it a night, which can reduce pain and inflammation. It's also a natural antiseptic to kill bacteria. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to manage your discomfort. Sleep with your pillow elevated, which will prevent blood from pooling in your head to avoid a throbbing toothache from keeping you awake.

Will My Toothache Go Away On Its Own?

A toothache is a sign of an underlying problem that must be treated, so it's unlikely your pain will go away. If your pain suddenly disappears, it can mean your tooth has died and will need to be removed. Instead, it's better to schedule an appointment to have your emergency dentist near Friendship Village pinpoint the source of your discomfort to provide the appropriate treatment, like root canal therapy. You'll avoid tooth loss and reduce your long-term oral health expenses by having the issue addressed quickly.

Do I Need a Dentist If My Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Not all chipped teeth hurt, but that doesn't mean you don't need to see a dentist. Even if the break appears minor, serious damage may have occurred. You can also be at risk of additional breaks or fractures. Not to mention, your tooth can be vulnerable to bacteria, which can lead to painful infections. If you're not having any pain, you can wait a day or two for an appointment, but don't put it off for too long.

Will a Chipped Tooth Heal?

Unfortunately, your enamel can't regenerate, which means it won't grow back. At most, it may remineralize, but your tooth will still be vulnerable. Your tooth must be treated to prevent any additional complications. Dental bonding is often used to treat minor breaks, while more significant damage may require a crown. No matter the method, Dr. Yu will create natural-looking results.

Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?

A broken denture is a dental emergency in Chevy Chase. You can't go without any teeth, so it's important to see a dentist quickly. Avoid using any over-the-counter repair kits or home remedies to prevent causing more damage. Instead, use an old denture if possible. We will provide the necessary repairs or replacements to restore your complete, beautiful smile quickly.