Very few of us go through life free of unpleasant surprises. The rest of us have to take what life sends our way, whether good or bad. Sometimes this can take the form of a dental emergency. Knowing what to do when the unexpected occurs can help you to manage things until a dentist is available. With that in mind, let’s look at how to deal with three common dental emergencies.

The American Dental Association recommends that you see your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings to ensure your oral health. When you think about reasons why it’s important to see your dentist, you may think about problems like cavities or tooth decay. However, there is a part of your routine checkup that has the potential to save your life: oral cancer screenings. Keep reading to see how your dentist detects oral cancer as part of your routine checkup and cleaning.