Is your summer vacation nearly here? Whether you’re planning on relaxing by the pool or traveling to a different country to sightsee, the last thing you want is for a toothache, loose restoration, or cracked tooth to ruin the fun. Fortunately, there are several things you can do beforehand to help reduce your chances of that happening. To learn four tips for preventing dental emergencies, read on!
#1. Opt for Healthy Summer Snacks
Ice cream, fruit smoothies, and popsicles are just a few summer staples that are jam-packed with sugar. As a result, indulging in treats like these too often can increase your chances of cavities, and, in turn, a dental injury. Therefore, it’s best to opt for teeth-friendly snacks, like soft cheese, yogurt, fresh fruit, and raw veggies. Not only are they delicious and refreshing, but they can keep your teeth healthy from the inside-out as well!
#2. Protect Your Teeth
Summer sports, like beach volleyball, can quickly result in a dental emergency if you aren’t wearing a mouthguard. So, talk to your dentist about getting one made before you participate. It may seem like a hassle at first, but it’s definitely preferable to handling a sudden (and potentially painful!) dental injury. Note: you should consider wearing a mouthguard if you clench/grind your teeth at night as well to help prevent chipped, fractured, and otherwise damaged teeth.
#3. Maintain a Solid Oral Hygiene Regimen
With a more flexible schedule, you may find yourself becoming more relaxed with your oral hygiene regimen. Don’t let that happen! Neglecting to brush and floss your teeth consistently can take a serious toll on your oral health, leaving you vulnerable to cavities, gum disease, and the like. So, make sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash regularly, even when you’re on vacation.
#4. Schedule a Dental Checkup Before You Go
To help keep your smile cavity-free, dentists recommend getting a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. Since summertime means 2022 is halfway through, there is no time like the present to schedule your first or second visit of the year! Not only will this ensure you keep your oral health on track, but it will also allow your dentist to take a look at your teeth before you leave to ensure they are in pristine condition. If they aren’t, they can restore your smile so you can enjoy your vacation without worry.
Summer vacations should be filled with relaxing, sightseeing, and whatever recharges your batteries. Keep the above best practices in mind to prevent a dental injury from getting in the way of that!
About the Practice
At Darby Creek Dental, patients can place their smiles in the hands of our trustworthy, talented, and highly-trained dentists, Dr. Cleveland, Dr. Budendorf, and Dr. Wylde. As a team, they provide a wide range of treatments, from routine checkups to last-minute emergency dentistry, in-house. That way, you can trust the same friendly team with all of your dental needs and smile goals. If you want to learn more about how to prevent dental emergencies or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (937) 644-8822.