Injuries to the mouth are common results of physical activities, as well as more mundane activities such as eating. Sports injuries result in the greatest number of damaged teeth. Young children also frequently get injured when they are first learning to walk. Although an emergency dentist in Fairbanks can repair most damaged teeth if the patient is seen quickly, many dental injuries can be avoided by taking simple precautions. Brush and Floss Daily Keeping your teeth healthy makes them stronger and better able to stand up to the occasional accident. The best way to do this is to brush and floss your teeth every day to remove plaque and bacteria. Make sure you are using fluoridated water or have a fluoride toothpaste to restore damaged enamel--the protective outer layer of your teeth. Wear a Guard When playing sports, wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth against impact. In high-risk sports like football and hockey, wear a helmet with a face cage for added protection. Supervise Young Children Many injuries to small children can be avoided with diligent supervision, especially as they are learning to walk. Older children learning to play sports will also need help learning how to use protective gear and stay safe as they play. The same goes for any new activity, whether it be riding a bicycle or learning how to figure skate. Chew Gently Hard foods or foods that are tough to chew are also common causes of tooth injuries. Limit foods like hard candy, jerky, and other similar foods. Also watch out for foods like popcorn, which can have hard kernels that you might not expect. Any of these foods can cause your teeth to chip or crack. If you feel pain in your mouth after eating one of these foods, visit an emergency dentist in Fairbanks. Cracked teeth can often be repaired, but it’s important not to delay or the injured area might become infected.
Related Articles -
emergency, dentist, fairbanks,
|