Avoid a Dental Emergency This Holiday Season

Dental emergencies are more common during the holiday season for a variety of reasons. Daily routines tend to get disrupted and dental hygiene may suffer a bit. More time with friends and family also may involve high contact sports or activities that may result in a chipped tooth or even a knocked out tooth. Our Kent WA emergency dentist has some tips to help you get through the holidays safely! Check out the following guidelines to help minimize your risk for experiencing a dental emergency this holiday season.

 

Stick to a Routine

Daily routines tend to suffer during the holidays because we all spend more time with our friends and family enjoying the festivities. Try to stick to your dental hygiene routine as best as possible even if you're away from your home. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice per day, once before breakfast and again before bed. You should also make sure you are flossing at night so that food doesn't stay between teeth overnight. Perfect your oral care routine by rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash to ensure your smile is totally healthy. Take good care of your smile so that your teeth and gums stay healthy for the new year!

 

Avoid Sugar

We eat a lot more sugar during the holidays, and that contributes to the buildup of plaque and tartar on your smile. Try to reduce your sugar intake to help protect your smile from dental decay. Go for fruit over sugary desserts, and rinse with water after eating anything that might harm your smile. Fibrous fruits and vegetables can actually help clean your teeth throughout the day, so try to add more of them into your diet. Our Kent WA emergency dentist recommends that you watch what you eat during the holidays to help ensure that your smile stays healthy all December long.

 

Wear a Mouthguard When Possible

If you'll be participating in high-contact sports such as football or soccer, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. It is so common to see people chipping their teeth or knocking out their teeth during the holidays because they are usually participating in more activities. Our Kent WA emergency dentist recommends you protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard whenever you may have a higher risk for tooth damage.

 

Have Our Number on Speed Dial

It is always best to have our number on speed dial just in case of emergency. If anything serious happens to your smile, don't hesitate to give us a call. Signs of a dental emergency include shooting pain in one area of the mouth, recurring pain, facial swelling, and bleeding. If you experience any symptoms of pain or dental damage, call our office right away. You can reach our Kent WA emergency dentist at (253) 630-8686.