Have you ever experienced a dental emergency? If you have, you know just how stressful they can be. It can be difficult to know what to do when you are feeling panicked and in a lot of pain. While some can’t be avoided, it is best to take precautions in order to prevent dental emergencies from occurring in the first place. An emergency dentist in San Antonio shares some tips for keeping your oral health in excellent shape.
Keep an Eye Out for Changes
If you find that you are feeling any new pain in your mouth or a toothache suddenly disappears without a probable cause, these are things that you should ask your dentist about. When you catch changes early on, you can look at treatment options before they become more serious. For example, if you have tooth pain that goes away, this could be a sign that an infection has killed the nerve inside your tooth. By seeing your dentist ASAP, they will be more likely to save your tooth.
Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
When you brush your teeth twice and floss once a day, you are able to clear away plaque, food debris, and bacteria that lead to oral health problems, like cavities and gingivitis. Another great step to take is rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash.
Limit Your Sugar Intake
If you like a sugary treat once in a while, this isn’t usually a big deal, but having them too often can lead to trouble. When you eat and drink things that contain sugar, bacteria in the mouth feed off of it and release a weak acid as a by-product. This eats away at your protective enamel and makes it more likely that you will develop tooth decay and sensitivity.
Use a Mouthguard
It’s great to stay active, but contact sports can put your oral health at risk. Next time you are out on the field, be sure to wear a mouthguard to keep your teeth safe. Ask your dentist about custom-made mouthguards for optimal protection.
Drink Water
It is important that you stay hydrated enough to produce an adequate amount of saliva. Saliva is necessary to wash away food debris and maintain the pH level of your mouth. It also contains minerals needed to protect your teeth.
See Your Dentist
You should see your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups, even if you are great at brushing and flossing at home. Your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that has been left behind, and your dentist will look for oral health issues so they can be treated before becoming serious.
You don’t want to be surprised with a dental emergency. By using the tips listed above, you can keep your smile safe!
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. To learn more about preventing dental emergencies or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (210) 680-3611.