A dental emergency can often be unsettling and overwhelming, especially if it happened when you least expected it. While these urgent situations aren’t always predictable, there are ways you can reduce your chances of experiencing one. By implementing proper precautionary measures, you’ll be able to ensure safer and healthier pearly whites in the long run. Keep reading to learn five essential ways to prevent a dental emergency from happening in the first place!
#1: Avoiding Poor Oral Habits
Do you tend to bite your fingernails when you get nervous? Do you like to chew on ice just for kicks? Have you tried using your teeth to open packages? Although many of these oral habits may seem trivial and harmless, they can be detrimental to your teeth in the long term. One wrong bite and you can end up chipping, cracking, or breaking one of your teeth, which can land you a visit to your emergency dentist. Be sure to avoid using your smile for anything other than eating and talking.
#2: Packing Healthy Meal Options for Lunch
Everyone knows that sugary foods can cause cavities, which can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated. However, you’ll also want to stay away from starchy meals like chips, pretzels, and crackers that can wear down your enamel and weaken your teeth. You should also avoid hard and crunchy meals, like peanut brittle and popcorn, that can chip or damage your pearly whites. Stick with softer foods and nutrient-dense snacks such as fresh fruits, cooked veggies, and dairy products.
#3: Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your smile clean is one of the best ways to prevent a dental emergency. Not only will this maintain your teeth’s shine, but it’ll also remove debris and harmful bacteria from accumulating in your mouth. If left unchecked, these particles can cause infections and decay, which can eventually develop into a dental emergency. Brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash regularly to preserve your smile for longer.
#4: Wearing a Mouthguard
If you enjoy playing sports where there’s a chance of getting hit in the face, you might want to consider investing in custom mouthguards. These dental appliances can be made to properly fit your specific bite to provide the comfort and protection your teeth need to remain safe and intact. Speak with your dentist so they can recommend the best products for you.
#5: Visiting Your Dentist for Checkups & Cleanings
By scheduling checkups and cleanings every six months, you can keep your teeth clean and on track with good oral health. Your dentist will monitor your mouth and address any developing issues they may detect before they can even become emergencies. You’ll also leave with a polished smile that’s free of plaque-causing bacteria.
Keep these few tips in mind if you want to avoid dental emergencies altogether. With your dentist’s help, you’ll be able to reduce your risks and enjoy showing off a set of healthy pearly whites for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Monisha Khanna received her dental doctorate from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She’s also a proud member of several groups like the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. She offers a vast collection of high-quality and all-inclusive services, including root canals, tooth extractions, and fillings. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call 540-432-6616.