No one wants to find themselves in the middle of a dental emergency, but unexpected things happen sometimes that we can’t control. No matter what, it can be both painful and unsettling to suddenly find that you’ve just sustained an injury that knocked out a tooth, or bit into something hard that dislodged a dental crown.
While you can never fully anticipate when something unfortunate might occur, there are things you can do to avoid some known risks that might land you in the dentist’s chair. Keep reading to learn 4 ways you can circumvent such a dental dilemma!
Tip #1: Follow a Routine
Prevention is the best offense when it comes to keeping your teeth happy and whole. If they’re in prime condition, then they’re less likely to be damaged in unexpected ways. To care for them properly, you should have a twice-daily dental hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing once in the morning and again before bed at night. This ensures that your pearly whites are more resilient and therefore less likely to be harmed.
Tip #2: Eat a Well-Rounded Diet
Some foods like hard or sticky candies are infamous for chipping teeth or yanking out restorations. You can avoid such occurrences by simply not indulging. Avoiding too much sugar altogether is a great idea because it attracts toxic bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, which leave your teeth more vulnerable should anything happen.
Eating a balanced diet, on the other hand, can support your smile. Citrus fruits and colorful vegetables have vitamin C which is necessary to keep your gums healthy. Also, many leafy greens contain calcium which supports your bones and teeth.
Tip #3: Wear a Mouthguard
If you plan to participate in physical activities that put you in close proximity to others, then it’s important to wear a mouthguard. They’re often required for certain team sports and martial arts to avoid dental issues. Wearing one distributes the force of any blows to your face to avoid breaking or chipping individual teeth.
Mouthguards are most effective when they have a customized fit, which your dentist can provide. You can also find them at various sports stores, but the commercially available versions often don’t fit as well.
Tip #4: Keep Your Appointments
Seeing your dentist once every 6 months ensures that they have the chance to catch any signs of problems before they can progress. Along with a regular at-home care regimen, it helps to keep your grin in its best condition. Your dentist has the specialized experience and instruments necessary to check that all your teeth, dental work, and restorations are functioning as intended. If anything requires an adjustment or repair, like a loose filling, it can be mended before you find yourself in a bad situation.
Having excellent oral health can give you peace of mind that your pearly whites can withstand whatever comes your way!
About the Practice
At White Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, patients benefit from the expertise of two dentists; Drs. Brandon and Julia White. This husband-and-wife dental duo provides a wide range of dental services to the whole family, including emergency dentistry. They use advanced technology to give fast, effective treatment for relief, and their compassionate team is happy to help you make an appointment. Feel free to contact the office on the website or by calling (540) 587-5707.