When it comes to a dental emergency, not all situations are entirely avoidable. However, there are certain precautions you can take to avoid serious injury, but it requires knowing what to do to minimize your chances of suffering from a troublesome infection or accidental damage. Read on to discover four helpful tips that can keep you out of your emergency dentist’s office.
Tip #1: Wear a Protective Mouthguard.
If playing sports is something you enjoy, don’t forget to wear a protective mouthguard before taking to the field, court, or track. While you can always purchase a store-bought, one-size-fits-all appliance, you’re likely to experience discomfort and a poor fit. However, if you talk to your emergency dentist in Bellaire about having one customized for your mouth, you’ll soon notice a greater sense of peace while playing your favorite game.
Instead of worrying about potential damage, you’ll feel more confident knowing your smile is properly safeguarded.
Tip #2: Keep Up With Your Routine Dental Visits.
Every six months, you should be sure to maintain your routine dental checkups and cleanings. Even if you’re experiencing no pain, subtle signs of decay and gum disease can exist. The reality is that the sooner your dentist catches these problems, the greater the chances that you’ll avoid worsening symptoms and issues in the future.
You can prevent the development of a serious toothache and any treatment that might be required to address infection, inflammation, or damage.
Tip #3: Give Up Unhealthy Habits.
Your teeth are made to help you consume various foods and speak. They are not, however, to be used to chew on pens, pencils, and other inanimate objects. They’re also not designed to withstand the pressure of eating ice or biting your fingernails.
Too often, these bad habits can cause tiny fractures in the tooth enamel or worse, cracks or chips that require timely treatment. By choosing not to do these things, you protect your teeth from possible damage and the need for immediate restorative care.
Tip #4: Be Mindful of Your Sugar Intake.
Maintaining a healthy diet that is full of calcium-enriched foods, like cheese, yogurt, and milk, as well as leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins will give your smile and body what they need to stay in shape.
While you are free to enjoy a small amount of sugar and starch (i.e., chips, bread, candy, etc.), these foods should not become the primary components of your diet. The reason is that they are known to cause cavities and gum disease. When too much is consumed, bacteria begin to form and spread, allowing harmful particles and acids to begin eating away at your tooth enamel and attacking your gum tissues. As a result, you’re left needing dental fillings, dental crowns, a root canal, or even tooth extraction to avoid further damage.
Your teeth and gums deserve to be protected against decay and injury, so heed these tips (and many more) if you want to enjoy life with a healthier, damage-free smile.
About the Author
Dr. Estella Guo is a dentist in Bellaire who strives to help patients reduce their risk of dental injury and damage. After completing her dental degree at New York University in 2010, she moved to Southwest Houston, accumulating more than 10 years of experience in the field. Helping individuals in the area who trust West Loop Dental Aesthetics for all their smile needs, she readily provides timely treatment should a dental emergency occur. If you have sustained a cracked or broken tooth and need immediate care, contact us at (713) 280-4441.