Dental emergencies are no fun, and nobody wants to be thrown into one. But what if some of your daily habits are contributing to the possibility of you eventually having an emergency? As you read on, your dentist in Los Angeles weighs in on some common activities that you may not think of as dangerous but need to stop. Find out how to prevent a dental emergency as you read on!
These Habits Could be Placing You in Danger
Bad habits are easy to develop and sometimes hard to relinquish. One thing that helps, though, is to become aware of the problems they can cause. Here are a few examples:
- Sports – Do you like to participate in sports? When you do, are you reluctant to wear a custom mouthguard? If so, then you’re possibly placing yourself in harm’s way. That’s because any time you’re involved in sports, there’s a chance for a collision, which could lead to a dental emergency from losing or breaking a tooth. A simple remedy is to wear a mouthguard.
- Chewing Ice, Nails, etc. – Your teeth are only designed to chew on foods that are softer than your enamel. That means that eating ice and biting fingernails are out of the question. The hard surface of your teeth grinding against a surface of a similar strength could lead to a broken crown.
- Snack Foods – If you overindulge in snack foods, then your teeth are more prone to attract bacteria and plaque that cause advanced tooth decay. If you have a sweet tooth, try substituting fruits for sugary snacks.
- Teeth Grinding – Grinding teeth is something many people do unconsciously and can lead to some very serious issues. The main problem is that it wears down the enamel on your teeth and can even cause them to break. If you’re suffering from this condition, you should be sure to reach out to your local dentist to explore the treatment options.
By correcting any of the above challenges that you may be facing, you take a big, proactive step towards better oral wellness.
Another Way to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Along with adhering to the above guidelines, making sure to visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups also helps to prevent emergencies and serious problems. These semi-annual appointments allow your dentist to clean your teeth thoroughly and perform a very tedious examination.
So instead of guessing about the condition of your oral cavity, you’ll have firsthand information from your local expert. To schedule your first preventive care visit, reach out to your Los Angeles dentist today!
About the Author
A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Les Latner has over three decades of experience providing patients with top-notch oral care. A professional with a vast skillset, he is a lecturer, educator, author and one of the leading minds in the world of dentistry. Dr. Latner helps patients avoid dental disasters and experience optimal oral health at Westside Dental Associates. He can be reached for more information through his website.