Protect Your Pearly Whites
Because of their very nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid dental emergencies entirely. However, there are precautions you can take to drastically reduce your risk of needing immediate treatment from an emergency dentist in Lake Havasu City. Our team at Havasu Dentistry aims to provide patients with all of the knowledge they need to avoid these stressful and often painful situations. Read the tips below to learn how to prevent dental emergencies, and give us a call if you find yourself experiencing one.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
The American Dental Association recommends that people of all ages attend a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. The purpose of these preventive visits is twofold: a hygienist removes built-up plaque that causes cavities and infections, and one of our dentists examines your mouth to detect early warning signs of problems that could turn into emergencies later on.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
Of course, you should also keep your teeth healthy in between cleanings. We suggest that you brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time, floss at least once a day, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash each day. These habits will drastically reduce the likelihood of harmful plaque and bacteria accumulating in your mouth and causing painful dental issues like infections.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Heavily processed foods are chock full of sugars and carbohydrates that attract dangerous bacteria. When particles from these foods stick to your teeth, bacteria feed on them and create an acidic waste product that can erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. It’s a good idea to limit sugar consumption and focus on healthier alternatives. For instance, chewing on fresh vegetables like celery and carrots naturally scrubs your teeth clean and helps you produce more saliva that washes away lingering sugar particles and bacteria.
Wear A Mouthguard
Being physically active will keep your body healthy, but it can sometimes put your smile at risk. If you play a sport where there’s a chance of impact to your face, like soccer of football, we recommend always wearing a mouthguard. Your dentist in Lake Havasu City can create a personalized mouthguard for you that fits more comfortably, provides more protection, and lasts longer than store-bought alternatives.
Open Packages with Tools, Not Your Teeth
It can be tempting to open stubborn packaging with your teeth instead of walking all the way across the house to get the scissors. However, your teeth were not designed to handle anything other than chewing. Using them to open packages places undue stress on them, which can lead to painful fractures. Save yourself from that discomfort by reaching for the appropriate tool instead.
