As a dentist, one of the most common reasons for emergency visits to my clinic in Bournemouth is dental emergencies. Unfortunately, many of these emergencies can be prevented with simple daily habits and regular dental check-ups. However, accidents happen, and dental emergencies can still occur despite our best efforts. Here are some tips to help keep your teeth healthy and prevent dental emergencies in Bournemouth.
1. Practice good oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is the best way to prevent dental emergencies. It helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, and food particles that stick to your teeth and gums, causing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day to remove the food particles and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach.
2. Avoid chewing hard or emergency dentist bournemouth sticky foods
Chewing on hard candies, ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard objects can cause cracks, chips, or fractures in your teeth, leading to a dental emergency. Likewise, sticky or chewy foods like caramel, taffy, and gum can stick to your teeth and fillings, pulling them out or causing them to break. If you must eat hard or sticky foods, try cutting them into smaller pieces or avoid them altogether.
3. Wear a mouthguard for sports
If you play contact sports like football, rugby, or hockey, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from getting knocked out or broken. Even non-contact sports like biking, skateboarding, and basketball can cause dental injuries if you fall or collide with someone. Custom-fitted mouthguards are the best, as they provide the most comfortable and secure fit and offer the best protection against dental trauma.
4. Don’t use your teeth as tools
Using your teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or hold things can damage your teeth and lead to a dental emergency. Your teeth are designed for biting and chewing food, not for doing any other tasks. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack, break, or chip, and can even cause them to dislodge from their sockets.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
Regular dental check-ups are essential for preventing dental emergencies and keeping your teeth healthy. Your dentist can detect early signs of dental problems like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer and treat them before they become more severe or painful. Your dentist can also clean your teeth, remove plaque and tartar, and provide you with personalized advice on how to improve your oral hygiene and reduce your risk of dental emergencies.
In conclusion, preventing dental emergencies in Bournemouth requires consistent and proactive efforts to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid dental trauma. By practicing these simple habits and visiting your dentist regularly, you can keep your teeth healthy and avoid the pain, discomfort, and expense of a dental emergency. If you do experience a dental emergency in Bournemouth, contact your dentist immediately for prompt care and treatment.