Would You Rather Avoid Dental Emergencies? Keep These Tips in Mind

Dental emergencies can be quite stressful and may lead to permanent tooth loss or other serious consequences if they are not addressed in time. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to keep your teeth healthy and avoid painful oral injuries and infections that require prompt care. Here’s a brief overview of a few excellent habits that can help you prevent dental emergencies.

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

Your dental hygiene regimen is your first line of defense against many oral health problems, and failing to consistently and thoroughly clean your teeth and gums can lead to agonizing toothaches and destructive periodontal infections. Thankfully, an excellent daily oral hygiene routine typically requires only simple measures such as brushing twice, flossing once, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate food debris and kill harmful oral bacteria.

See Your Dentist Regularly

The American Dental Association recommends seeing your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. These appointments allow a qualified oral health professional to monitor your oral health, treat issues in their early stages, and recommend better dental habits for you to apply at home. Addressing tooth decay or gum disease early can prevent serious oral infections and the need for intensive restorative treatments.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you enjoy playing sports or riding a bike, be sure to wear an athletic mouthguard when doing so to protect your smile from injuries due to falls or blows to the face. If you grind your teeth when asleep, it’s a great idea to invest in a nightguard that will protect your enamel from most of the damage this can cause. Your dentist can provide you with customized appliances that deliver superior protection.

Quit Bad Habits

Tobacco use is an excellent way to promote gum disease and early tooth loss, so it’s best to kick a smoking, vaping, chewing, or dipping habit for the sake of your oral health. Using your teeth to open packages or bottles will lead to cracks, chips, and potentially permanent tooth loss, so it’s much better to use an appropriate tool such as a box cutter or a bottle opener instead.

About the Practice

Martinez Dentistry offers the finest oral health services in Indianapolis. Led by Drs. Corey Martinez and Alam Grewal, the staff treats each patient with compassion, respect and exemplary customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next checkup or learn more about how you can keep your teeth healthy, contact the office online or dial (317) 846-3431.