There are plenty of things to look forward to this holiday season. Whether you’re catching up with relatives, preparing some delicious meals, or just cozying up by the fireplace, it is a great time to be grateful for all you have. During this season, you certainly don’t want to be spending any of your time off from work getting urgent dental work done. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent this from occurring. An emergency dentist in Altavista shares some tips that can reduce your likelihood of having a dental emergency.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
In order to prevent oral health issues like tooth decay and periodontal disease, it is necessary that you practice a good oral hygiene routine. This including brushing your teeth twice and flossing at least once every single day. Brushing helps to remove food debris and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth while flossing dislodges it from between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
Stay Hydrated
Water is necessary for pretty much every part of your body to function properly. After all, up to 60% of the adult human body is water. By making sure that you are drinking enough, you can jumpstart the digestion process, wash away food debris and bacteria, and neutralize harmful acids in the mouth. This can also help you from overindulging in treats throughout the season.
Go Easy on the Sugar
Consuming too much sugar is incredibly harmful for your teeth. This is because bacteria clings to foods in the mouth that have higher sugar content. When the bacteria digest it, acids are released which is what contributes to tooth decay and gum tissue damage. Remember to limit the number of sweet treats that you are consuming throughout the day. Try chewing on sugar-free gum after eating sweet treats in order to increase saliva production in the mouth.
Be Careful with Hard Foods
The enamel of your teeth is the hardest part of your entire body. It is even harder than your bones. However, it can still be damaged by munching down on something that’s too hard. When you’re eating harder foods like popcorn, hard candy, and nuts, you should be especially careful so that you don’t end up with a broken or cracked tooth.
This holiday season, don’t forget about your smile. By using the tips listed above, you can reduce your risk of having a dental emergency in the coming months.
About the Practice
Dr. Hooks welcomes you to their Altavista, VA dental practice. At Hooks Family Dentistry, we treat patients of all ages and warmly welcome you and your family to our clinic.
From dental treatments like fillings and root canals to cosmetic procedures like veneers and even preventative care like exams and cleanings, we do it all in a warm and friendly environment that will leave you smiling from ear to ear!
To schedule an appointment with our dental team, please visit our website, or call 434-215-0363 today!