5 Ways to Avoid a Dental Emergency

Have you ever had a dental emergency? They always seem to strike at the most inconvenient moments, like when you’re out with friends or celebrating a special day with your family. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to lessen your chances of encountering one. Read on for five tips that will help you avoid an unplanned visit to your dentist.

#1: Brush Regularly

When you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed at night, make sure to brush your teeth for a full two minutes. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your pearly whites as well as a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent enamel damage. This will remove plaque, harmful oral bacteria, and food particles, which will lessen your chances of developing oral health issues like cavities and gum disease.

#2: Floss Often

According to National Public Radio (NPR), 20% of Americans never floss their teeth. Not flossing means that 40% of plaque on your teeth is being left behind, which drastically increases your chances of developing cavities between them. This is why it’s important to floss at least once per day, preferably before you go to bed. Additionally, if you have mobility issues like arthritis or just aren’t a fan of traditional dental floss, you may want to consider getting a Waterpik or another kind of water flosser.

#3: Limit Your Sugar Intake

The oral bacteria in our mouths that lead to cavities feed off the sugar in the foods we eat and beverages we drink. Limiting your sugar intake lessens your chances of decay. You should also increase your intake of tooth-healthy foods like low-fat or fat-free dairy, fresh fruits and veggies, fish like salmon, and lean meats like chicken and turkey.

#4: Wear a Mouthguard

If you play a contact sport like football or hockey, getting hit in the mouth can do some serious damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. Wear a dental guard to protect your oral health from harm and cushion the blow. Additionally, speak to your dentist about getting a nightguard if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while you sleep. This will create a buffer between your top and bottom teeth to prevent damage to your smile.

#5: Stay Hydrated

When you aren’t producing enough saliva, this leads to dry mouth and an opportunity for harmful oral bacteria to flourish. To prevent oral health issues like decay and gum disease, make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. You can also eat crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables, chew sugar-free gum, and suck on sugarless hard candy to increase saliva production.

Along with these five tips, make sure to reach out to your dentist as soon as possible if you damage a tooth to avoid a dental emergency. This will allow your dentist to treat it promptly so you can enjoy outings with loved ones to the fullest and keep your smile healthy and looking its best!

About the Practice

Dr. Carroll R. Butler and her Kerrville team are passionate about offering patients of all ages exceptional dental care so they can maintain gorgeous grins. They administer a range of preventive services to avoid the need for urgent care as well as treatments to help you get your smile back on the track in the event of a dental emergency. Do you want more information on their emergency dental services or are you ready to set up an appointment? If so, call the dental office of Dr. Carroll R. Butler at (830) 257-4900 or visit their website.