If you’ve sustained a serious dental injury in the past, then you know just how painful they are to experience and stressful they are to handle. That’s why it’s so important to do what you can to protect your smile from harm! If you’re not quite sure where to start, here are five helpful tips for avoiding a dental emergency.
1. Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
If you participate in a contact sport, like football, it goes without saying that you need to wear a mouthguard. However, it’s equally as important to wear one during non-contact sports as well, including skateboarding and surfing. That way, your teeth and gums are protected from an accidental fall.
2. Brush and Floss Consistently
Taking good care of your smile daily will go a long way in preventing plaque buildup, inflammation, and other common oral health issues. So, if you haven’t already, make brushing twice a day and flossing every night before bed a part of your routine. Rinsing with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds will help too!
3. Avoid Extremely Crunchy and Sticky Foods
Hard pretzels, peanut brittle, taffy, and caramel-filled candies not only lack nutritional value, but they increase the chances of your enamel chipping or a restoration being pulled out of place. So, opt for bananas, oatmeal, hard-boiled eggs, and other softer, more smile-friendly foods instead.
4. Prioritize Your Biannual Dental Visits
Your biannual dental checkups and cleanings are crucial for several reasons, starting with the fact that they allow your dentist to routinely check for cavities, gum disease, and other common dental problems. In other words, these routine visits reduce your chances of needing emergency dental care.
5. Break Unhealthy Habits
Some habits, like biting your nails or chewing on ice, may seem pretty harmless. However, it’s very possible for your teeth to chip or crack under the pressure, requiring a same-day visit to your dentist’s office. So, if you want to avoid that, you need to break unhealthy habits like these altogether.
About the Practice
Our top-rated dental team at Crafting Smiles is here to help with all of your dental needs – from routine cleanings to last-minute emergency dentistry. If you need the latter, we’re just a phone call away, and we offer same-day appointments for patients in pain. We’re also here to be an on-going resource for all things oral health. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (919) 220-4200 if you have any questions!