Although there’s no way to completely eliminate the chances of having a dental emergency, by taking the right steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing one. It all starts with having the right information. As you continue reading, an emergency dentist provides 6 tips for avoiding dental trauma.
#1 – Make Healthy Food Choices
Excessive oral bacteria growth contributes to tooth and gum decay, and sugar is their food of choice. Thus, if you tend to eat dessert items, processed foods or candy, or you drink sugary beverages on a regular basis, you could be more susceptible to developing cavities and experiencing a dental emergency.
A healthier way to satisfy a sweet tooth is to incorporate more fruits into your diet. The natural, slower acting sugars will have less of a negative impact on your teeth and gums.
#2 – Get Rid of Your Old Toothbrush
If you’ve been using your toothbrush for longer than 90 days, then it’s time to discard it. That’s because bacteria collect in the bristles over time and can contribute to poor oral health. It’s also important to switch to a new toothbrush if you’ve recently recovered from a sickness.
#3 – Make Flossing a Priority
While toothbrushing is a necessary part of a successful dental hygiene regimen, flossing is of equal importance. Using the flexible material allows you to get into the tight spaces between your teeth where bacteria and leftover food particles hide. This is a major way to prevent gum inflammation and painful toothaches.
#4 – Pay Attention to Pain or Changes
In addition to practicing excellent dental hygiene, it’s important to pay close attention to any changes in your oral health. For example, if you notice that your gums bleed when you brush them, it could be an indication of gingivitis. This should be brought to your dentist’s attention.
The same rule applies if you feel any pain or sensitivity. This, too, should be addressed before it balloons into a dental emergency.
#5 – Prevent Accidents
Do you participate in any sporting events? If so, a collision could happen when you least expect it. This could result in a facial injury or even losing a tooth. To protect yourself, visit a dentist to have a custom mouthguard fabricated. This is a much more effective route than purchasing a generic mouthguard from a retailer.
#6 – Visit the Dentist Regularly
For maximum protection, visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations. Here are three key functions of these appointments:
- To remove built-up plaque and tartar
- To identify any tooth decay using a state-of-the-art cavity detection system
- To provide you with the chance to ask any questions and to receive expert tips from the dentist and dental hygienist
By being more proactive about your oral health, you’ll not only be better protected from dental emergencies; it will also help to maintain a healthy and attractive smile!
About the Practice
At Winning Smile Dental Group, our dentists are highly trained and well versed in oral issues. Dr. Polly Reese has enriched her career and expertise by expanding her knowledge and skillset within dentistry. She has completed the entire curriculum for the prestigious Spear Education: Innovative Dental Continuing Education and serves as a mentor and belongs to a local Spear Study Club that meets monthly to review case studies. In addition she has studied at the Las Vegas Institute and completed The Huggins/Grube Protocol, a study for biologic and holistic dentistry. Dr. Robert Baima has more than 40 years of clinical experience and is a Diplomate with both the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Prosthodontics. If you are due for a checkup appointment and oral cancer screening, you can contact Winning Smile Dental Group through our website or by calling 847-350-1697.