All it takes is one hard crunch into an unpopped popcorn kernel, one wrong chew on your fork, or one bad bite on an ice cube for your otherwise pleasant day to require a visit to your emergency dentist. If you’ve experienced a dental injury before, then you know that situations like these are not only stressful, but they are often incredibly painful as well. To protect you and your loved one’s smiles, make sure to keep the below tips in mind on how to prevent dental emergencies!
#1. Floss, Floss, Floss!
All too often, patients dismiss flossing as nothing more than an optional part of good dental care. In reality, consistently flossing plays a crucial role in protecting your teeth from tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious dental problems. In fact, brushing alone only cleans about 60% of your tooth’s surface! So, make sure to commit to flossing at least once a day.
#2. Eat a Vitamin-Rich Diet
Another essential component of strong teeth and healthy gums is following a vitamin-rich, nutrient-dense diet. Fresh apples, plain yogurt, and raw veggies are just a few foods that make the list. However, it is also important to note that it is equally as crucial to focus on what not to eat, like soda, cookies, and other sugary products. So, make sure to enjoy these treats in moderation.
#3. Replace Your Toothbrush
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every quarter, so the plaque and bacteria buildup aren’t continuously reintroduced to your mouth each time you brush. After all, using an old toothbrush to clean your teeth is about as effective as using a dirty sponge to clean your dishes. Therefore, it’s a good idea to set a reminder in your phone so you don’t forget. That way, your toothbrush actually gives your teeth a thorough cleaning, removing cavity-causing plaque and food particles in the process.
#4. Prioritize Your Six-Month Visits to the Dentist
Another essential part of preventing dental injuries is visiting your dentist on a bi-yearly basis for a dental checkup and cleaning. These routine appointments play a critical role in removing caked-on tartar, warding off decay, and cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Furthermore, catching dental problems in the early stages and administering treatment before any infections or disease have time to progress is essential in preventing major dental emergencies. Basically, visiting your dental team every six months is beyond crucial for keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
Although dental injuries aren’t entirely preventable, the above tips can significantly reduce your likelihood of experiencing one. And, if you do sustain a cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged tooth, make sure to get in touch with your dental team right away!
About the Practice
At Kinsey Drive Family Dental, your smile will benefit from not one, but two skilled, compassionate, esteemed dentists: Dr. David Nichols and Dr. Candice Denison. Thanks to their extensive experience and advanced training, they provide everything from essential preventive care and quality restorative treatments to emergency dentistry in one convenient location. If you are interested in learning more about proper prevention or need immediate assistance due to a dental injury, don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call at 903-561-7604.