If you or anyone in your family has ever needed to make a surprise trip to the dentist because of a broken crown or a knocked-out tooth, then you know it’s not a fun experience. Fortunately, your Collinsville dentist is standing by should you ever need assistance, but it’s also important to them to help you and your family avoid a dental emergency. Check out the seven tips they’ve shared to help you protect your smile and avoid a last-minute call to your dentist’s office.
Seven Tips for Preventing a Surprise Visit to the Dentist
Dental emergencies are unexpected, often painful, and treatments can be costly. Here are seven tips that are guaranteed to lessen your risk:
1: If You Feel Pain, Don’t Ignore It!
If you feel physical discomfort in your body, it’s important to pay attention because that’s how it tells you something is not right. If one or more of your teeth are feeling extra sensitive to temperatures or when you bite down on anything, it could signal decay. In order to avoid a last-minute root canal or extraction, make sure you see your dentist soon so that they can have a look.
2: Practice Regular Oral Hygiene
One of the easiest and most affordable things you can do to protect your teeth and gums from harm is to be diligent about flossing and brushing each day. These simple acts can help you avoid cavities and gum disease by removing plaque and bacteria.
3: Limit Your Sugar Intake
Cavities and sugar go together like two peas in a pod. In order to reduce the risk of tooth decay, try to limit the amount of sugar you consume. The rest of your body will probably thank you as well.
4: Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
One of the most common causes of tooth breakage is people attempting to open containers, remove tags, or just use their teeth as tools in general. Instead, take the extra few moments to find what you need to accomplish the task at hand so that you don’t end up at the emergency dentist needing a last-minute dental bond.
5: If You Play Sports, Wear a Mouthguard
If you’ve ever looked at professional sports players’ teeth, you’ve probably noticed that many of them have one or more missing. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, more than three million teeth are lost during sporting activities each year. The tooth fairy has her job cut out for her! Be sure to talk to your dentist about a mouthguard if you play sports so that you don’t end up needing a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
6: Avoid Tobacco
Aside from being responsible for several common overall health issues, tobacco is high up on the list of the leading causes of gum disease and tooth decay. Infection of the gums can lead to bacteria infiltrating the soft tissues and entering the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
7: Drink Plenty of Water
Your body is made up mostly of water, so it stands to reason that it’s good to consume plenty of it. Your saliva is responsible for keeping your mouth from drying out and rinsing bacteria away, and it is directly influenced by your body’s level of hydration. Be sure to stay hydrated to keep your body and your teeth healthy.
Avoiding dental emergencies is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps and be sure to schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist to keep your smile safe and shining brightly.
About the Practice
Dr. Michael Lavinder and Dr. Jessica Quach are the compassionate and experienced dental experts leading the team at Collinsville Dental Associates. They understand the importance of avoiding dental emergencies and maintaining oral health. They have years of combined training and experience, and you won’t find a better practice in Collinsville. Are you ready to schedule your next dental checkup? Request an appointment online or call (276) 647-1494.