Dental emergencies are unexpected by definition, but they aren’t always unavoidable. The world is full of dangers to your dental health like tripping hazards, harmful oral bacteria, sports injuries, and the like, but being smart about how you navigate them can help you minimize the risk of anything damaging your smile. Here are a few ways that you can keep your teeth farther from harm’s way so you can avoid needing emergency dental appointments.
Cut Back on Your Sugar Intake
Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria, and not all of them are good for your oral health. People are programmed to love the taste of sugar because it is full of easily absorbed chemical energy. Unfortunately, this makes it just as delicious to the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, and having a lot of it in your mouth allows them to multiply rapidly and excrete enamel-eroding acid.
If these bacteria are allowed to accumulate, they will eventually begin eating their way through the outer layers of the teeth, resulting in a cavity. If this is allowed to progress, the infection will reach the pulp in the tooth, resulting in a severe and throbbing toothache. This sort of toothache results in miserable, debilitating pain and counts as a dental emergency. By keeping your sugar intake low, you can manage the populations of harmful bacteria in your mouth and prevent an emergency trip to the dentist.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
While cutting back on sugar is a great way to protect yourself from oral infections, it isn’t enough on its own. That’s where daily oral hygiene comes in to clean house and keep your mouth fresh and healthy. Every day, you should brush at least twice, floss at least once, and use antibacterial mouthwash. Cleaning your teeth regularly can eliminate plaque and food debris that can result in oral infections as well as bad breath.
Wear a Mouthguard
Exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy body, but doing it too recklessly can cause major injuries. If you’re playing contact sports like soccer, basketball, football, or martial arts or even if you’re just skateboarding or riding a bike, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth in case of an accident. A mouthguard can absorb the force of blows to the mouth, saving your teeth from fractures, dislodging, and other injuries.
While your dentist appreciates your business, they certainly don’t want you to come in frequently to deal with dental emergencies. Protecting your teeth can keep your smile beautiful and whole.
About the Author
Dr. Parham Ramtin earned his dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in East Harlem. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. His office in Santa Clarita, CA offers general cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more tips on protecting your teeth, contact his office online or dial (661) 251-0480.