Did you know that sources estimate that approximately 2 million Americans experience dental emergencies annually? Although it’s impossible to predict when you might experience an urgent problem, such as a toothache or a lost or damaged restoration, you can thankfully help prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Fortunately, many common oral issues that lead to emergency visits can be avoided by taking proper precautions. Continue reading to learn more about 3 ways you can help strengthen your smile to avoid potential emergencies!
Tip #1: Improve Your At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine
Many people understand that brushing their teeth twice daily can help keep cavities at bay, but if you’re not also flossing, then you could be putting your grin at risk. Scrubbing your enamel helps remove an estimated 40% to 60% of harmful plaque and bacterial residue, though flossing is usually required to help eradicate the remaining half.
Brushing and flossing every morning and at night can significantly improve your oral health by consistently removing plaque buildup from your teeth and gums, preventing germs from penetrating the tissues. This strengthens your grin so it can better resist disease and decay that might otherwise progress into more serious emergency concerns.
Tip #2: Eat More Wholesome Foods
The foods you eat can also significantly hurt or help your dental health, so it’s important to make conscientious dietary decisions to help support your smile. For example, eating too many sugary foods attracts unwanted germs that produce enamel-eroding acids, so you might want to minimize your consumption.
Meanwhile, consuming dairy products high in calcium, such as yogurt, milk, or cheese, helps you build strong teeth and bones. You can also strengthen your gums by eating more citrus fruits and leafy greens, which contain lots of vitamin C to support your connective tissues.
Tip #3: Schedule Routine Dental Checkups
Another simple but effective way to avoid serious dental issues is by scheduling routine appointments. Having a standard exam and cleaning every six months allows your provider to monitor your condition so they can catch and treat any areas of concern, like thinning enamel, swollen gums, or a destabilized restoration, before it becomes an emergency.
They also remove even the most stubborn plaque and bacteria before polishing your teeth to a shine to help improve your oral health, freshen your breath, and potentially enhance your appearance to boost your confidence.
Following these tips can help preserve your dental health and avoid more complex, costly services required to address an emergency that has already occurred.
Meet the Author
Dr. Troy Jones has nearly 40 years of experience helping families build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and today, he provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof, including same-day emergency visits. His caring approach is combined with advanced technology to quickly identify and treat the underlying cause. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (210) 349-4408.