Dental emergencies can be painful, inconvenient, and financially overwhelming. They can dramatically affect your quality of life and cause you a lot of discomfort.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once per day. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, gently brush all surfaces of your teeth – including the backs of the teeth and the areas between the teeth. Also, make sure to clean your tongue each time you brush your teeth. This helps to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. Flossing helps to clear away plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline – areas where the toothbrush cannot reach. These areas are especially prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
Use Toothpaste with Fluoride
Fluoride strengthens teeth by making the enamel more resistant to acid attacks and protects against tooth decay. You can find fluoride in many types of toothpaste on the market, as well as in mouthwash and other dental products as well. Similarly, make sure your child uses fluoride toothpaste when they are old enough to spit it out on their own. That way, they’ll get the full benefits of this essential mineral.
Control Your Sugar Intake
Did you know that eating too many sweets is one of the worst ways to have a tooth emergency? That’s because the sugar in snacks and beverages reacts with bacteria in the mouth to form acids that eat away at enamel and dentin. This doesn’t just happen to teeth – it’s also an unfortunate side effect of overconsumption of sugars. Excess sugar consumption has been linked to increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes – all conditions that can be avoided with a healthy diet! If you’re craving something sweet, try sugar-free gum or chewable vitamins instead.
See Your Dentist for Regular Checkups
In certain cases, you may have to visit your dentist more than twice per year. However, most dental professionals recommend that you visit for a regular checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. These semi-annual visits allow your dentist to thoroughly clean your teeth and remove plaque buildup from hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and gums that your toothbrush can’t reach. This can help prevent gum disease and cavities before they occur.
Pro Tip: If you have a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth or a lost filling, call your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. The sooner you get the problem treated, the better your outcome will be!
If you haven’t seen a dentist in the past six months, contact HD Smile Dental at 1680 Vine St #200, Hollywood, CA 90028, or call (323) 464-2033 to schedule your appointment.
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