Want to avoid a dental emergency? Taking the appropriate steps to safeguard your smile will also prove beneficial, which is why our emergency dentist in Orange, Dr. Michelsen, and our team is here to provide helpful tips that will keep your teeth and gums in optimal shape. By following these simple guidelines, you will lower your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, as well as minimize the potential for serious dental injuries. If you have any questions about the information provided, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist every six months will ensure that your teeth and gums remain free of decay, cavities, and gum disease. Developing any of these common oral health problems can weaken your oral cavity and make it more susceptible to serious injury or infection. With regular professional care, our team can carefully examine your smile to ensure no issues are occurring and no abnormalities forming that could point to oral cancer. Also, our dental hygienist will remove any hardened plaque and tartar that could put your oral tissues at risk.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home
If you want to avoid a trip to the emergency dental office in Orange, make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash. Incorporating fluoride toothpaste into your oral hygiene regime is also important, as it helps to strengthen tooth enamel and combat tooth decay. Its regular use will help to give your teeth the added protection they need should they sustain an injury as well as reduce your chances of developing severe decay that can lead to a serious infection.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
No one is saying you can’t enjoy a cookie now and then; however, it’s best to eat them in moderation and not make these sugary treats a normal part of your diet. Because bacteria love sugars and starches, they can spread into the crevices of your teeth and gums, causing serious problems to occur. Instead, of reaching for your favorite sour candies or bag of potato chips, opt for fresh fruit and vegetables or low-fat dairy to curb your cravings. You might also incorporate leafy greens and lean proteins into your daily diet so that you will get the necessary nutrients your body needs.
Wear a Mouthguard
Sports-related injuries are some of the most common seen by dentists. If you want to protect your teeth while on the field or court, ask us about customized mouthguards. Fitting comfortably over your upper teeth, these oral appliances can lessen the blow should you take a tumble while hiking or accidentally fall off your bike. But if stress is more of a concern than sports, you may also find a mouthguard useful if you are prone to grinding your teeth at night.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body; however, it’s not indestructible. Trying to pry open a container or open a package with your teeth will only cause injury to your pearly whites and soft oral tissues. This is why you should always use the proper tools to open these items and not your teeth. Even if it takes you a few extra minutes, it’s best to find a pair of scissors, pliers, or any other tool, as using your teeth can cause breakage, cuts, or even a knocked-out tooth.
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