Lack of Emergency Dental Insurance Shouldn't Mean Avoiding Care

Accidents happen--even for your teeth. To limit risk, it's important to know and follow these easy tips so you can avoid accident and injury to your teeth.

• Wear a mouth guard during sports or activities that may pose a rise to your teeth, lips, cheek or tongue.
• Don't chew ice, popcorn kernels or hard candy. All can crack a tooth.
• Use scissors to cut tape--not your teeth.
• Take good care of your teeth daily to keep teeth and gums strong.

If something does happen call your dentist with as much detail as possible about your condition. And remember, pain is a signal that something is wrong. Even if the pain disappears, the problem will likely not.

In an emergency, dental insurance takes the financial burden off your mind. However, if you don't have insurance it's important to remember that dental discount cards are available and many dentists offer payment plans. Putting off treatment may only make things worse in the long run.

Related Links
American Dental Association: Emergencies & Injuries