LOS ANGELES, LONG BEACH, AND BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – The Pew Center reports that the number of emergency room cases involving dental problems is rising.
Florida emergency room doctors saw 115,000 patients with non-injury dental complaints in 2011. In California, 83,000 patients visited emergency rooms with dental ailments that could have been avoided with preventive care.
This problem isn’t just affecting oral care in adults. In 2008 in the state of New York, the number of children with tooth decay visited emergency rooms or ambulatory surgery centers 32 percent more than in 2004, according to Pew Center research.
The difficulty with treating oral care in the emergency room is simple. Doctors can give patients pain medication to provide short-term pain relief, but unless the hospital has a dentist on staff, patients normally need follow-up oral care from a dentist. Some patients then ignore the root of the problem due to lack of funds to see a dentist, but this means that they’ll likely return to the ER.
Oral health is essential for adults and for children. Dentists can apply dental sealants or even dental crowns to healthy teeth, effectively protecting them from cavities and decay. Making a trip to the ER for dental-related problems will cost you more than preventive care, and dentists can spot potential problems in your mouth before they become too serious.
Prevention is key to maintaining excellent oral health. Dr. Joseph Marvizi specializes in family dentistry, providing quality oral care in a relaxed, comfortable setting. For Long Beach residents, dentists like Dr. Marvizi teach healthy oral habits, including daily flossing, regular brushing and visiting the dentist at least twice a year.
“We’re interested in how we can educate our patients on the silent diseases that are going on in their mouths,” says Dr. Marvizi. He’s talking about periodontal disease, gum disease, TMJ and occlusion problems, and even oral cancer. Pay close attention not only to your teeth, but also your gums. Puffy, red gums can be a sign of gum disease.
At our office, we focus on you, ensuring that any worries or concerns are addressed in a friendly, informative manner. To be sure your teeth are healthy and strong, make an appointment with our staff or with a dentist in your area.
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