Dental injuries are often painful to experience and stressful to handle. Not only that, but they can be quite costly, especially if you don’t act fast. The good news is that dental damage is often preventable with the right best practices in place. If you aren’t sure where to start, read on to learn four ways to avoid a dental emergency!
1. Take Great Care of Your Teeth at Home
Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every night before you go to bed, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash consistently will help prevent plaque buildup. That, in turn, will help protect your teeth from decay, reducing your chances of needing to schedule a same-day appointment because of a painful toothache. So, make good habits like these a priority – even on mornings when you have to get up earlier or nights when you get home later.
Tip: Replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every quarter!
2. Cut Back on Added Sugar
You’ve probably heard countless times that sugary treats, like ice cream, shouldn’t be eaten in excess because they cause cavities. That’s true: the acid attacks your enamel, removing essential minerals and increasing your risk of decay in the process. So, it’s important for both your oral health and your overall health that you eat mostly healthy, well-balanced meals.
Tip: Apples are a great choice when you want something sweet because they are packed with nutrients, and the crunchy consistency helps remove plaque!
3. Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
It goes without saying that you need to wear a mouthguard while playing football, wrestling, or participating in any other contact sport. But did you know that you should wear one during non-contact ones, like riding your bike, running, or rollerblading? It’s a small habit that will go a long way in preventing dental damage from chronic clenching, persistent grinding, or a bad fall.
Tip: Ask your dentist to make a custom mouthguard for you so it’s the appropriate thickness and fits comfortably.
4. Schedule a Dental Visit Biannually
To put it simply, many dental problems (and even general health problems) can be detected in the early stages by your dentist. So, don’t skip your biannual visits! If your dentist brings something to your attention – whether it’s a small crack or a serious infection – get the restorative care you need sooner rather than later. That way, the root of the problem doesn’t have a chance to progress, negatively impacting the look and health of your smile even further.
Tip: Struggle with dental-related anxiety? Ask your dentist about sedation dentistry!
About the Practice
Our team at Healthy Smiles Dental Care knows first-hand how stressful dental emergencies can be, which is why we try to protect our patients from ever experiencing one. We also go the extra mile to make the treatment process easy should the need arise, like offering appointments five days a week, multiple payment options, and sedation dentistry. If you would like to schedule a visit or you have a question for us about your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact our Flint dental team via our website or by phone at (810) 720-6433.