Prevent Dental Emergencies With Good Habits

Cosmetic dentists see their fair share of dental emergencies. Even Vancouver’s weather is becoming increasingly icy, as we all saw with the recent flurries!  Even in perfectly fine weather, here at The Lowe Centre we regularly anticipate chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth resulting from slips, sports, and the rest. 

A winter sports enthusiast himself, Dr. Lowe would never dream of discouraging them in the name of dental care! That being said, injuries to the teeth and gums should not be taken lightly and need to be treated immediately. 

So what can you do to avoid emergency dentistry? Prevention is key! Here are our top tips for preventing a dental emergency.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is one of the best ways to avoid a dental emergency. By ensuring that you brush properly and floss every day, you are helping to keep your mouth clean, healthy, and free of cavities. And when you practice good home care, you make those regular dental visits much easier! 

Visit Your Family Dentist Regularly

Routine dental exams and cleanings allow your dentist to be your partner in oral health. More than regular teeth cleaning, your dentist will be able to detect signs of cavities, weak points, or small chips that could make a prime venue for a dental emergency. When you check in with your family dentist regularly, they get to know you and can make a long-term plan to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Chew Your Food Carefully!

Yes, your teeth are tough, but they are not indestructible. So even though they can be trusted to break down all types of food, be careful! We see about as many chipped and cracked teeth resulting from hard candy and popcorn kernels as they do from icy weather slips. 

When a tooth gets cracked, even slightly, it makes way for bacteria to gather inside, which can result in pain or even an abscess. So when it comes to foods that feel tough on your teeth, go slow or abstain entirely.

Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

It is a good idea to replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. You can also replace them earlier if you notice that the bristles have worn out. This is important because if the tooth is worn out, it will not clean your teeth properly. Investing in a good toothbrush or toothbrush head for an electric toothbrush will cost a great deal less in the long run than an emergency dental procedure. 

Eat Healthy, Vitamin-Rich Foods

In all areas of health and well-being, ensuring that you are consuming a nutritious diet full of whole, plant-based foods, will go a long way in preventing dental emergencies. An unhealthy diet full of processed foods with a handful of vitamin pills simply won’t cut it. Yup, we’re telling you to eat your veggies. 

Diet-derived vitamins A and B support healthy gums. Being deficient in these vitamins can cause gingivitis and weaken your body’s ability to fight gum disease. Vitamin C is also good for the immune system and can help reduce the likelihood of developing gum disease. 

We also recommend Vitamin D supplementation, as the natural sun is hard to come by in the winter months. Vitamin D is actually a secosteroid and not a vitamin at all! 90% of the cells in your body have receptors for Vitamin D and it helps these cells carry out essential functions, like building strong, healthy bones and enamel. 

Avoid Dental Emergencies With Prevention

So that’s it! Eat healthily and chew carefully. Supplement when necessary, especially Vitamin D. Brush your teeth, floss, and change your toothbrush regularly. And finally, see your dentist regularly to avoid any preventable dental emergencies. 

Dr. Lowe and his team have been transforming smiles for more than 30 years. 

Book a 15-minute virtual consultation today to learn what makes The Lowe Centre special: https://www.mysmilemakeover.com/.

Dr. Ed Lowe

The Lowe Centre for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry