Dental emergencies can strike without warning, leaving you with sudden pain or distress. Whether it’s a throbbing toothache that comes out of nowhere, a chipped tooth from an accidental fall, or a traumatic dental injury from sports, these situations are pretty alarming. The discomfort and anxiety that accompany these emergencies can be overwhelming.
The good news is that many of these dental crises can be prevented. Keep reading to discover four simple yet effective ways to safeguard your smile and avoid those unexpected trips to the dentist.
#1 Maintain Daily Dental Care
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s a warning that something’s wrong. It can be caused by cavities, gum disease, or something else. Proper dental hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent oral health issues. This means brushing twice a day to clear your mouth of bacteria and plaque.
Bacteria in your mouth feed off food particles left behind after eating and release acids that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing every day is just as important as brushing. Unlike dental floss, toothbrush bristles can’t effectively get in between teeth. When you clean every corner of your teeth with the help of floss, bacteria don’t have a chance to cause toothaches.
#2 Watch Your Diet
Eating a lot of sugary foods can fuel the problem-causing bacteria. By cutting down on sugar, you can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and protect your teeth from damage.
Hard candies or tougher meats can increase your risk of chipping a tooth because they put extra stress on your enamel. Being more mindful of harder-to-chew foods, either by avoiding them or taking extra precautions while enjoying them, can help prevent dental emergencies.
A balanced diet can also improve your oral health and lower the risk of an issue that causes a dental emergency. Foods rich in vitamin D and calcium can help strengthen and protect your teeth. To support healthy gums, vitamins A, B, and C can help prevent gum disease.
#3 Wear a Mouthguard
If you play sports, a mouthguard is essential to keeping your perfect smile. Whether it’s a contact sport or a recreational activity, if you are at risk of falling or getting a hard blow, a mouthguard can help. It protects your teeth by absorbing the impact.
#4 Have Routine Dental Visits
Lastly, regularly visiting your dentist can help ensure your teeth stay clean, healthy, and strong. During these visits, they can identify early signs of potential issues like cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer! These can start as small concerns but can quickly grow into something more serious, painful, and expensive. Routine checkups give your dentist a chance to catch these issues and provide preventive care to keep your mouth in great shape.
When a dental emergency hits, it can feel overwhelming, but with prevention, you can keep your smile looking its best!
About the Practice
Dr. Dina H. Cocco completed dental school at the University of Michigan and has over 34 years of experience. Dr. Cocco offers premier care for dental emergencies, including same-day appointments, walk-in appointments, and weekend emergency appointments for existing patients. To learn more, schedule an appointment or call us at (734)668-8636.