It’s Saturday night, and you’ve decided to go out and grab dinner with a few friends. While taking the first bite of your meal, you feel something crack in your mouth. One of your teeth is broken! Having a dental emergency is never any fun, but accidents happen. Even so, there are several measures you can take that will lessen your chances of encountering one. Read on to learn five tips that will help you avoid an emergency dental visit.
Tip #1: Eat Healthier
When we eat sweet foods, oral bacteria feed off the sugar in them. They then release acids that attack our tooth enamel and make your pearly whites more susceptible to decay. Foods that are high in carbs break down into sugar in the mouth. This means that foods like bread can damage your pearly whites in the same way as candy. Consume a tooth-healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats like turkey, chicken, and beef, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheese.
Tip #2: Brush and Floss Often
Brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and strengthen them against cavities. Floss before you go to bed to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. If traditional floss isn’t a good fit, look into a water flosser to get rid of the gunk and protect your teeth from harm.
Tip #3: Stay Hydrated
Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria. When your salivary glands don’t produce enough of it, the resulting dry mouth can increase your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, mouth sores, and several other oral health issues. Drink plenty of water and eat fresh, crisp fruits and veggies to keep these issues at bay.
Tip #4: Wear a Mouthguard
Mouthguards can help protect your teeth from harm while playing contact sports like football and hockey. Nightguards are also helpful as a buffer between the top and bottom teeth for those who struggle with TMJ issues. They can be purchased over the counter at most drug stores, or you can have one custom-made by your dentist.
Tip #5: Address Issues as Soon as They Arise
One of the worst decisions you can make for your oral health is putting off a visit to the dentist once an oral health issue has arisen. Regular dental visits are a key part of keeping your mouth healthy and avoiding dental emergencies. If you haven’t been in a while, schedule a visit so your teeth can be thoroughly cleaned and examined for oral health issues. Prompt treatment of any problems will keep them from developing into something that warrants an emergency dental visit.
No one likes dental emergencies. So, make sure to follow these five tips to minimize your risk of encountering one.
About the Practice
Julington Creek Family Dentistry offers a range of oral health services that will allow you to achieve a smile you’re proud of. With their preventive services like checkups and cleanings, you can lessen your chances of encountering a dental emergency. Even so, if a dental emergency does arise, they will administer prompt treatment to get your pearly whites back on track. To make an appointment or for more information on their oral health services, visit their website or call their office at (904) 230-2961.