Life comes at you fast—and sometimes, emergencies happen that involve your pearly whites. But you don’t have to live in fear of experiencing a dental emergency, either; a little knowledge and preparation can go a very long way towards ensuring that your smile doesn’t experience an alarming predicament. Here are six useful tips from your dentist for avoiding dental emergencies in Willow Grove.
1. Maintain Excellent Oral Health
One of the best ways you can avoid dental emergencies is by taking great care of your smile—a healthy smile is less likely to encounter unexpected issues! You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush paired with a fluoride toothpaste. Also floss daily and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash; these habits contribute just as much to your oral health as brushing does!
2. Watch What You Eat
Enjoying foods and beverages with high amounts of sugars and starches can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, greatly increasing your risk of a dental emergency. You should also be mindful of hard or crunchy foods that could potentially chip or fracture your teeth. Consider opting for a healthy and well-balanced diet with plenty of vitamins that benefit your oral health; crisp fruits and veggies, leafy greens, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products are all great choices.
3. Practice Sports Safety
If you enjoy playing sports or participating in outdoor activities, which are responsible for many dental emergencies, investing in a mouthguard is a wise move. These handy little devices are affordable, easy-to-wear, and undoubtedly effective at preventing serious oral trauma and injury. Even non-contact sports can threaten your smile, so protect it accordingly!
4. Avoid Bad Oral Habits
Your teeth are meant for biting, tearing, and grinding your food—and that’s all! You shouldn’t use your pearly whites for things like opening packaging, untwisting bottlecaps, or holding your car keys when your hands are full. These bad habits can easily lead to worn enamel and fractured teeth that require urgent treatment. You should also avoid smoking cigarettes and using any tobacco products, as they can quickly expedite oral health issues,
5. Replace Your Toothbrush as Needed
Your toothbrush won’t do you any good if it’s old and worn! You should replace your brush every 3 months, or more frequently if the bristles begin to look worn or frayed. You should also replace your brush after being sick, to prevent germs from reinfecting you. Electric toothbrush heads sometimes have built-in wear indicators, so it’s easier to see when it’s time for a new one.
6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist biannually lets them keep tabs on your oral health and ensure that there aren’t any underlying problems. They also have access to special equipment and know techniques for effectively removing built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth. These routine visits play a huge role in preventing serious and costly dental emergencies in the future.
Realistically, dental emergencies aren’t entirely avoidable—but by following these tips, you can drastically lower your chances of suffering one and ensure that your smile looks and feels great for the foreseeable future.
About the Practice
The team at Advanced Smile Design is thrilled to serve patients and families in the Willow Grove area under the leadership of Dr. Krunal Patel and Dr. Poorvi Gandhi. They each have several years of experience under their belts and are proud to offer a wide range of available services including emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one has suffered a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at once: (215) 659-3334.
