Some dental emergencies are completely out of our control. For example, you can’t anticipate a sports injury or accident. The good news is that some potential emergencies are entirely preventable. There are steps that you can take to prevent the likelihood of a dental emergency happening to you. Continue reading to learn some tips to keep your smile healthy, strong, and happy!
Notice Changes
Be mindful of new pain in the mouth, sudden discoloration, changes to the soft tissue, and other things that seem different than usual. It is a good idea to have these issues checked out by your dentist. When you catch an issue early on, like a cavity, getting treatment right away can keep you from more severe issues later on.
Excellent Oral Hygiene
You should brush your teeth twice and floss every day to keep your smile in tip-top shape. Brush for at least two minutes each time. Using an electric toothbrush is an excellent tweak that you can make to your routine. Many one the electric options today have built-in timers so you know exactly how long you should be brushing for.
Limit Your Sugar Intake
An occasional sweet treat probably won’t do any harm. However, if you are overindulging in sugary goods, this can negatively affect your smile. Bacteria in the mouth use sugar for energy, and they release acid as a byproduct. This attacks the tooth enamel, leaving you vulnerable to tooth decay. Go easy on sugary treats and be sure to brush thoroughly to remove anything that has been left behind.
Wear a Mouthguard
It’s important that you keep up an active lifestyle to stay healthy. However, contact sports can put your smile at risk if you aren’t careful. If you participate in sports, or any activity that could result in a blow to the mouth, don’t forget to wear a mouthguard. This way, you can enjoy your time on the field without worrying about dental emergencies.
Stay Hydrated
By drinking plenty of water, you can prevent issues like dry mouth. In addition to keeping your mouth hydrated, water helps to neutralize harmful acids in the mouth and wash away food particles that are lingering around and contributing to tooth decay.
See Your Dentist
It is recommended that most people see their dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and checkups. During these visits, your dentist will examine your smile for existing oral health issues so they can be treated before turning into dental emergencies. Your smile will also be thoroughly cleaned to remove buildups of plaque and tartar that you’ve missed.
No one wants to deal with a dental emergency. By using the tips listed above, you can significantly reduce your chances of encountering urgent oral health issues.
About the Author
Dr. Luke Vernon earned his dental doctorate from Indiana University. Since then, he has remained committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Colorado Dental Association. To learn more about emergency dentistry or to schedule an appointment at his office in Denver, visit his website or call (720) 902-8080.