In many cases, a dental emergency in Bonita Springs is not preventable. While out for a run, you may not expect to trip and fall, resulting in a chipped or knocked-out tooth. However, certain instances can be avoided if you are mindful of what you eat, how you take care of your teeth and gums, and the kind of lifestyle habits you choose. To ensure your smile remains damage-free, here are four ways you can avoid a dental accident or injury.
Practice Good Oral Habits at Home
The key components of any good oral hygiene routine are to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once before bed, and rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash. By maintaining your smile in-between dental appointments, you can minimize your risk for tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and halitosis (bad breath). As a result, you’ll be less likely to experience infections or serious oral health problems that often lead to dental fillings, crowns, root canals, or even tooth extractions.
Wear a Mouthguard
If you enjoy playing sports, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly equipped to withstand any sudden hits or force. To do this, you’ll need a customized mouthguard from your dentist. Instead of buying a standard, one-size-fits-all device from your sporting goods store, a dental professional can take impressions of your smile and have one made to comfortably fit while you’re on the field, court, or track. No matter the sport, these oral appliances absorb and spread out any blunt force to the mouth instead of the hit focusing on one particular tooth or area. This, in turn, better protects your teeth and soft tissues from severe injury.
Don’t Put Off Emergency Dental Visits
If you accidentally chip or break a tooth, don’t wait to see your emergency dentist. Even if you’re not experiencing any pain, the potential for damage to areas unseen may be possible. Allowing time to pass without adequate treatment will only result in increasing pain and worsening oral health conditions. The sooner you get in to see an expert for proper care, the less of a chance you’ll need extensive, complex, and costly treatment.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water not only helps to give your body the energy it needs but also stimulates your salivary glands. The reason this is important is that bad bacteria can build inside the mouth when it’s dry, putting you at greater risk for tooth decay and gum disease. By drinking water, your saliva production will increase, making it possible to push food and harmful particles out of the mouth, reducing your chances of developing bad breath and other, more serious problems that require restorative and emergency treatment.
Don’t assume your smile is safe from harm and danger. Take precautions now to avoid a potential visit to your emergency dentist. In doing so, you’ll maintain a healthy, damage-free smile.
About the Practice
Pelican Landing Dental is comprised of three expert dentists who are committed to helping patients enjoy healthier, more beautiful smiles. Offering an array of available services, individuals who are suffering from sudden dental emergencies are encouraged to schedule a same-day appointment to help get relief from the pain. In addition, we’ll also get to the root of the problem and restore a person’s teeth and/or gums to ensure optimal oral health. If you are experiencing a dental emergency or ant tips on how to avoid one, visit the website or call (239) 948-2111.
