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Dental emergencies can occur at any time and in unexpected circumstances. If you have a dental emergency, be sure to call your emergency dentist right away. Here are a few ways to prevent dental emergencies:

Brush and Floss Regularly

Some dental emergencies are unavoidable, but others can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene habits on a daily basis. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque from teeth before it can cause any damage. Plaque is a sticky film that consists mainly of bacteria. When it is not removed from the mouth, it begins to break down into acids that can eat away at your enamel and create cavities. This is why why it is so important to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss at least once per day.

Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks

It’s no surprise that sugar is bad for your teeth, but you may not be aware that it increases your risk of cavities and gum disease. Soft drinks, candy, and even fruit juice are all high in sugar and can contribute to tooth decay. When you consume these sugary foods or beverages, the bacteria in your mouth turn the sugar into acids that attack your teeth and cause damage. Enamel erosion is one of the most common results of consuming too much sugar. When enamel erodes, the nerves of the teeth are exposed and become highly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures resulting in pain when eating hot or cold food or beverages. Cavities are also a common result of consuming too much sugar, as is gum recession. Gum recession is caused by the harmful oral bacteria feeding on sugar and producing an acid that attacks and wears away at the gums. This can lead to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. To avoid this, avoid sugary foods and beverages whenever possible. If you do indulge in something sweet, use caution and try rinsing your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse after consumption.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Regular checkups allow your dental team to identify potential problems early on and intervene before they become serious. Your dentist may also recommend preventive dental work, such as fluoride treatments or sealants, to keep your teeth healthy and strong. These protective measures can shield teeth from decay and may even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. By maintaining regular office visits, you are less likely to need a more extensive procedure like root canal therapy, tooth extractions, or tooth replacement down the road.

Arizona Dental Heights, situated in Mesa, AZ, is equipped with modern technologies and expert dentists who provide the best services to patients. Call (480) 525-6000 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to learn more about the dental services we offer.