Don’t dental emergencies seem to strike at the most inconvenient times? Whether your child’s soccer team is about to win the championship or you’re out at a loved one’s birthday dinner, the need to visit your emergency dentist is never a welcome addition to your day. Wouldn’t it be great if you could preempt dental emergencies? Read on to learn six helpful tips that will allow you to lessen your chances of having to make a visit to the emergency dentist.
#1: Brush Regularly
While we’re asleep, plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth multiply. For that reason, you should brush your teeth after you wake up and before you eat breakfast. You should also brush your teeth at least 30 minutes after you eat your last meal of the day since eating raises acidity levels in the mouth and can weaken the enamel. Do it for two minutes both times, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush as well as fluoride toothpaste.
#2: Floss Often
Flossing removes 40% of plaque from your teeth, which drastically lowers your chances of developing decay. Make sure to floss at least once per day, preferably after your last meal of the day or before bed. Additionally, if traditional dental floss isn’t a good fit for you, look into getting a water flosser to blast away food particles and other debris.
#3: Limit Your Sugar Intake
Eating sweets gives harmful oral bacteria plenty of sugar to feed on. Limiting the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume will lessen your chances of developing cavities, so try to cut back on the sweet treats.
#4: Wear a Mouthguard
If you play a contact sport like hockey or football, a blow to the mouth can do some serious damage to your pearly whites and other oral structures. Wear a mouth guard to protect your oral health from harm. Additionally, if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night, wear a nightguard to create a buffer between your top and bottom teeth.
#5: Stay Hydrated
If your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva, this can lead to dry mouth. Make sure to drink plenty of water to prevent this. You can also chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugarless hard candies, and munch on crisp, fresh fruits like apples and celery to increase saliva production.
#6: Address Issues Promptly
If you damage a tooth, reach out to your dentist as soon as it happens. This will allow them to fix the issue promptly and prevent it from developing into something more serious that warrants a visit to the emergency dentist.
Use these tips to keep your smile healthy and lessen your risk of visiting your dentist for a dental emergency. Your smile will thank you for it!
About the Practice
Whether you need preventive treatments to keep your teeth in good condition or emergency dental work to save your pearly whites, Artistry Smile Center can help. They offer care to Columbus residents of all ages and primarily focus on patient safety and comfort. Visit Artistry Smile Center’s website or call their office at (614) 451-7393 for more information on how to minimize your risk of encountering a dental emergency or to set up an appointment.