There is no ideal time for dental emergencies; they often happen when we least expect them to, and they can sometimes be quite an inconvenience—especially during the summertime! But luckily, there are things you can do to help protect your mouth and reduce your risk of experiencing a serious problem. Here are five things you can do to avoid a dental emergency this summer.
#1. Schedule A Checkup with Your Dentist
You should be visiting your dentist twice a year anyway—so why not schedule one of your biannual checkups during the summer? This is especially convenient if you’re in school or have children; summertime allows for a large window to fit in your appointments. More importantly, it gives your dentist the opportunity to clean your teeth and inspect your mouth; this is crucial for preventing dental emergencies!
#2. Prepare A Dental Emergency Kit
It never hurts to be prepared; having an emergency kit ready to go in the event of a dental emergency is a smart move. This doesn’t need to be anything super expensive or complicated, but you should at least include the following supplies and items:
- A card with your dentist’s information (including their emergency number)
- Gauze and handkerchiefs
- Saline solution
- A small container with a lid (in the event of a displaced tooth)
#3. Practice Sports Safety
If you’re an active person and enjoy sports and other outdoor activities during the summer, it’s important to use the proper safety equipment. A mouthguard can protect you from injuries including chipped and fractured teeth, as well as cut lips. They are especially protective for patients with braces—they’ll protect your mouth and your oral appliances, too!
#4. Stick to Healthy Summer Snacks
During those hot summer days, it might be very tempting to indulge in sweet treats like ice-cold sodas, popsicles, and more. But these items can greatly increase the risk of tooth decay and other serious problems! Try to stick to healthy snack options including fruits, vegetables, yogurts, cheeses, and more. Drink plenty of water too, to stay hydrated and to also help keep your mouth clean.
#5. Monitor Your Oral Health
This should go without saying but keeping an eye on your oral health throughout the summer is the absolute best way to prevent a dental emergency from unexpectedly ruining your summertime fun. Establish and maintain a regular oral hygiene routine and closely inspect your mouth on a regular basis. If you notice any problems, contact your dentist immediately—inaction will only lead to further complications!
Summertime is meant for fun and sitting in the dentist’s chair with some sort of serious emergency isn’t fun at all! Consider these five things as you kickoff your summer fun this year.
About the Practice
The team at Advanced Dental Concepts is honored to provide an elite level of dental care for patients and families in the Portage area. The practice is led by Dr. Danny Hayes and Dr. Lauren Hansen, who both have several years of experience and expertise in a wide range of fields. They’re proud to offer many available services including emergency dentistry! If you need to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone: (219) 763-6878.