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Try though you might, it’s impossible to plan when an accident might happen and your mouth is no exception! Whether someone slammed into you during a football game or you chomped down on something too hard and broke your tooth, dental emergencies can happen at any moment and without forewarning.
While you can’t predict when something bad will occur, you can certainly take precautions to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous scenario. Continue reading to learn 3 tips that will help keep you out of the dentist’s office!
Tip #1: Maintain a Regular Routine
If you have tooth decay or gum disease then your teeth are weakened and more vulnerable to injury. Keeping them in good health is the best way to prevent an issue down the road. You should have a consistent dental hygiene routine in place that includes brushing and flossing twice daily. It’s the simplest way to clear toxic bacteria and plaque buildup from your teeth and gums to keep your smile strong. That way it’s more likely to pull through unforeseen circumstances unscathed.
Tip #2: Eat a Balanced Diet
The things you eat can greatly impact your dental health, for better or worse. Sugar, for example, is known to attract dangerous germs that contribute to tooth decay. Not only that but biting into a hard candy can be enough to dislodge a restoration or even fracture your pearly whites.
Meanwhile, consuming healthier foods can build your teeth up instead of breaking them down. Many leafy greens contain calcium which contributes to bone strength. Your body also needs vitamin C to maintain your gum health, which you gain by eating citrus fruits and other colorful vegetables. Eating well-rounded meals supports your oral health and mitigates possible harm during an emergency.
Tip #3: Purchase a Mouthguard
If you participate in high-contact activities like team sports or martial arts, it’s not uncommon to be struck across the face hard enough to break or dislodge a pearly white. Fortunately, you can protect yourself by wearing a mouthguard. Many activities require that players wear one, but even if it’s not necessary, it’s in your best interests to get one. They’re made from a special material that evenly distributes the force of a blow across all your teeth so no single one takes the brunt of the damage.
Now that you have a few ways to protect yourself, you can enjoy some well-deserved peace of mind knowing that you’re less likely to experience a dental emergency!
About the Author
Dr. Francisca A. Sanchez has over 20 years of experience transforming patients’ lives by improving their dental well-being. She first attended dental school in the Dominican Republic before she moved to New York City. Then, she obtained a degree in dental hygiene at Hostos Community and completed her AEGD at the Columbia School of Dental Medicine. She and her friendly staff will schedule you as soon as possible and provide first-aid tips over the phone if you’ve had an emergency, so you don’t have to wait for relief. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (646) 669-7407.