How to Prevent a Dental Emergency: 6 Must-Know Tips to a Healthy Smile

Tip #1 Practice Good Oral Hygiene

A healthy mouth can go a long way in avoiding potential dental emergencies. To get rid of plaque and germs that can cause tooth decay and gum disease, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. To remove any buildup between your teeth, be sure to floss at least once a day. To eliminate bacteria and improve breath quality, think about using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Moreover, remember to change your toothbrush every three to four months, or earlier if the bristles become frayed.

Essential Oral Hygiene Tips to Follow

Technique	Description
Brushing	Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle circular motion. Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth and pay special attention to the gumline, the back teeth, and any areas with fillings, crowns, or other restorations.
Flossing	Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Use a clean section of floss for each tooth and wrap it in a C-shape around the tooth. Gently move the floss up and down, making sure to go below the gumline.
Mouthwash	Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill germs and freshen your breath. A mouthwash with fluoride can help strengthen your teeth. Swish the mouthwash around your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out, being sure not to swallow any.
Tongue Cleaning	To clean your tongue of bacteria and dirt, use a tongue cleaner or scraper. This can help you breathe better and lower your chance of developing gum disease. From back to front, gently scrape your tongue, rinsing the scraper after each pass.

Tip #2 Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can contribute to keeping your teeth strong and preventing dental emergencies. Recommended foods for a healthy diet include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Eating foods high in sugar and starch can raise your risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues. Be sure to wash down the food you’re eating with ample amounts of water, which can rinse away food residue and prevent further buildup of bacteria by keeping your mouth moist.

Recommended Foods to Promote Oral Health

• Dairy products: Cheese, yogurt, and milk are all rich in calcium and phosphorus, which strengthens tooth enamel to prevent decay.
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, celery, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables contribute to cleaning your teeth and massaging your gums when chewed.
• Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are high in vitamins and minerals that promote oral health, including calcium, vitamin C, and folic acid.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, and other nuts and seeds are a good source of teeth-strengthening calcium, protein, and healthy fats.
• Water: Drinking water is important for overall health and can also help rinse away food particles and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Tip #3 Wear a Mouthguard During Sports and Other Activities

When participating in sports and other activities, wearing a mouthguard can help safeguard your teeth from harm. Mouthguards act as a cushion for teeth, which also lessens the force of any strikes to the face or mouth. For contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing, this is especially crucial. When engaging in non-sports activities like biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading, mouthguards can also assist protect teeth from being cracked, shattered, or knocked out. To ensure the greatest level of safety, wear a mouth guard that is properly fitted.

Pros and Cons of Different Mouthguard Types

Technique	Pros	Cons
Stock Mouthguards	Inexpensive	Bulky, uncomfortable fit
	Widely available	Interferes with breathing and speaking
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards	Relatively inexpensive	May not fit as well as custom mouthguards
	Widely available with a customized fit	Fairly bulky and uncomfortable
Custom-Made Mouthguards	Best fit and most comfortable option	More expensive
	Maximum protection and can be tailored to specific spots or activities	Requires a visit to the dentist to have custom-made