No one expects to have a dental emergency when they wake up in the morning. Unfortunately, dental emergencies are fairly common occurrences, and they can result in severe pain, infections, or tooth loss. While you’ll need to see an emergency dentist right away if one happens to you, there are habits you can adopt to prevent this from happening. Here’s a brief list of best practices for keeping your teeth from needing the attention of an emergency dentist.
Practice Excellent Dental Hygiene
The human mouth is a moist, dark, warm place that makes for a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria if it isn’t cleaned regularly. To remove plaque and food debris and keep your mouth’s bacterial populations at manageable levels, do the following every day:
- Brush: You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time using a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. This will eliminate most of the plaque and food debris and leave your breath pleasantly minty.
- Floss: Flossing is a crucial part of a daily oral cleaning regimen and should be performed at least once a day. This will clear plaque and food debris from the spaces between teeth where a brush cannot reach.
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash will kill 99.9% of the harmful germs in your mouth. Doing this once a day can also give you a delightfully minty fresh feeling.
See Your Dentist Regularly
While many people say they’d rather wait until they have an oral health problem before they see the dentist, this is a terrible idea. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone see their dentist at least twice a year so that problems can be caught and corrected in their early stages. This can prevent agonizing dental emergencies like a severe toothache. Regular dental appointments also give you a chance to receive professional advice regarding your oral hygiene routine.
Wear a Mouthguard
Sports are a great way to have fun, get exercise, and learn life skills, but they can be dangerous for your teeth if you aren’t careful. Luckily, a custom mouthguard from your dentist can protect your teeth from the hazards of the athletic field. That way, you can dodge having to deal with dislodged or fractured teeth and enjoy having a beautiful smile in the winner’s circle.
Dental emergencies happen, but they are often avoidable. By taking the proper precautions, you can keep your teeth in smiling shape for life.
About the Practice
Coombs, Ross, & Sourlis Family Dentistry is dedicated to providing the community of Rock Hill, SC with the best dental care available. Led by Drs. Coombs, Ross, and Sourlis, the staff skillfully administers to patients’ needs while maintaining a warm and friendly environment. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on how to keep your teeth safe from harm, contact the office online or dial (803) 592-6201.