No matter what you’re doing outdoors, or how well you maintain your pearly whites and soft oral tissues, a dental emergency in Glenpool can arise. Although they’re likely to be at the most inconvenient times, it’s important that you be proactive when caring for your smile. From ensuring proper mouth protection to adopting healthier eating habits, this article will detail four ways you can reduce your risk and keep your smile damage-free for years to come.
Wear a Mouthguard
Whether you’re playing sports or suffering from bruxism (teeth grinding) at night, having a customized mouthguard is a great way to better protect your smile from serious injury. A hard hit on the field or worn tooth enamel can eventually lead to a visit to your emergency dental office, requiring you to undergo necessary restorative care to improve and possibly, save your smile.
By allowing your dentist to customize a mouthguard that comfortably fits your mouth, you’ll be able to enjoy damage-free teeth while getting a restful night’s sleep or playing your favorite sport.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing are key if you want to spend less time in the dentist’s chair. Maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine will help to minimize your risk of tooth decay, disease, infection, and serious damage. Nagging toothaches can be avoided as well as increased inflammation. By brushing twice each day, flossing at least once before bedtime, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash, you can rid your mouth of bad oral bacteria and enjoy a healthier smile.
Eat Healthy Foods
Too much sugar and starch not only cause increased weight gain and a larger waistline, but they are also why many patients develop cavities and gum disease. Their desirable contents attract bacteria, creating the perfect environment for dental decay to form.
Swapping out these unhealthy foods with healthier alternatives like leafy greens, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy will not only help to strengthen your tooth enamel but also improve your gum health.
Keep Your Six-Month Dental Checkups
Allowing your dentist to check your smile every six months is one of the best things you can do to avoid dental emergencies. Even small cracks or fractures can be detected by a professional using digital diagnostic imaging. By catching these types of problems early on, your dentist can help to mitigate more serious injuries that result in expensive and complex restorative treatments, such as tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, root canals, and even tooth extractions.
While not all dental emergencies are avoidable, following these tips will give you a greater advantage when it comes to staying out of the dentist’s office and enjoying a healthier, damage-free smile.
About the Author
Dr. Parnam “Patrick” Mohanna is a trusted dentist in Glenpool who began his career in dentistry at the age of 16 serving as a dental assistant. After earning his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma, he taught in the university’s clinic for removable prosthetics and helped many students learn more about the design and fabrication of removable appliances. With extensive training in a variety of dental specializations, he and the team at 918 Dentist are here to deliver timely solutions to individuals suffering from dental injuries. If you’re looking to reduce your risk and keep your smile damage-free, let us know how we can help you by contacting us at (918) 216-1000.