Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. As you make reservations for dinner and shop for a perfect gift for your sweetheart, the last thing you expect is a dental emergency interrupting your plans. 1 in 6 Americans experience a dental emergency every year. Although there’s never a good day to have one, there’s no worse time for a dental emergency to occur than on a holiday. Don’t worry. Here’s how you can lessen your risk of an oral health problem ruining your night.
Schedule a Cleaning and Checkup
Did you know that not all dental emergencies are caused by injuries or accidents? Preventable issues are common culprits, like untreated tooth decay or failing restorations. Semi-annual cleanings and checkups are important for more than keeping your pearly whites clean.
Routine appointments allow your dentist to monitor your dental health for early detection. They can treat anything concerning quickly to prevent it from turning into a big problem when you least expect it.
Watch What You Eat
Your teeth may be protected by the hardest substance in your body, your enamel, but it isn’t indestructible. Biting down on a popcorn kernel at the movies or eating crunchy food at dinner can result in a broken tooth.
It’s always best to limit hard and crunchy foods to prevent damaging your teeth. When browsing the menu, look for nutritious foods and limit sugars and starches. Chew your food slowly and carefully to avoid breaking a tooth.
Wear an Athletic Mouthguard
If you and your Valentine are planning to participate in any sporting activities, wear athletic mouthguards. Whether you’re playing a friendly game of soccer, rollerblading through the park, or taking a bike ride, a mouthguard will provide a protective barrier to safeguard your teeth, gums, jaw, and other oral structures.
Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss
After a romantic day, it’s easy to crawl into bed without reaching for your toothbrush, but you don’t want to break your routine. Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes before calling it a night. Carefully floss between each tooth to remove any food residue or plaque your toothbrush couldn’t reach. Finish your routine with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Don’t let a preventable dental emergency affect your plans for the day. With a few precautions, you’ll have peace of mind knowing Valentine’s Day won’t come back to haunt your smile.
About Dr. Jenny Miedema
Dr. Miedema achieved her dental degree from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine and has continued her training in general dentistry and many other specialties. She strives to provide the latest solutions in dentistry to help each patient achieve their best smile. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (207) 544-4353.