Large chips, damaged dental crowns, and infected gums are just a few of the many reasons you may need to visit your emergency dentist for a same-day appointment. Since these dental problems can be painful to experience and stressful to handle, it’s important to be proactive about protecting your smile from harm. With this in mind, read on to learn how to avoid a dental emergency.
1. Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
If you don’t wear a mouthguard while participating in sports, then your teeth and gums are left vulnerable to damage from accidental falls, rogue balls, and the like. That’s why patients are encouraged to wear one during both contact and non-contact sports. If you don’t have one, then talk to your dentist instead of buying one at your local sporting goods store – it will fit better!
2. Quit Unhealthy Dental Habits, Like Smoking
Tobacco products take a serious toll on your oral health, which is why patients are encouraged to quit using cigars, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes. Of course, that’s not the only habit that can damage your smile. To prevent cracks, chips, fractures, and other serious dental damage, you should also avoid biting your nails, clenching your teeth, and chewing on ice cubes.
3. Commit to a Solid Oral Hygiene Regimen
Simply put, a clean mouth is a healthy mouth! To prevent tooth decay, reduce your chances of gum disease, and keep any dental work you have in pristine condition, you need to commit to a solid oral hygiene regimen. That starts with brushing twice a day and extends to flossing each morning or evening.
Tip: Make sure to use the right tools, like a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste!
4. Keep Added Sugar to a Minimum
Although soda, candy, and other sweet treats are delicious, they can wreak havoc on your oral health if consumed in excess. For that reason, it’s important that you do your best to stick to a well-balanced diet that’s packed with nutrient-dense foods. Whole apples and raw celery are both great examples because they are rich in vitamins and their crunchy consistency helps remove debris from your teeth!
5. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Your biannual dental checkups are important for several reasons. One of them is that they allow your dentist to periodically examine the condition of your teeth, gums, and tongue as well as the soft tissue in your mouth and any existing dental work you have. If they notice anything concerning, like inflammation around one of your teeth, they can address it before the root of the problem progresses further.
About the Practice
Our team at Advanced Dental Care knows how anxiety-inducing it can be to find yourself amid a dental emergency. That’s why we go the extra mile to make getting the care you need easy. For example, we offer emergency appointments 24/7! If you need immediate care, you want to schedule your six-month checkup, or you simply have a question for us, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our Costa Mesa dental office.