Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. As you get ready for your date night, you don’t want a dental emergency interrupting your plans. Not to mention, your choices on Valentine’s Day can come back to haunt your smile later. Although you may not expect to experience an oral health emergency, 1 in 6 people suffers one annually. Not all results from injuries or accidents. Preventable issues are common culprits. Here are 5 tips to keep your mouth healthy to lower your risk of a dental emergency.
1. Limit Sugary Treats
No Valentine’s Day is complete without a few sweet treats. Even one day of indulging can affect your dental health. Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria that can erode your enamel. It’s best to limit sugars and starches to lessen your risk of cavities.
2. Be Picky About Candy
If you can’t resist your sweet tooth, be picky about candy. Hard candy must be held in your mouth to dissolve, bathing your teeth in cavity-causing residue for longer. Crunching them is no better because you can break a tooth or damage a restoration. Sticky candy clings to your teeth, sitting in hard-to-reach areas, like your molars. Chocolate is preferred by dentists because it washes from teeth easily, so it’s less likely to linger in your mouth.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is important for keeping your mouth moist. Sufficient saliva production keeps your mouth clean and washes away harmful bacteria. Drink plenty of water to combat dehydration, especially if you’ll be having a glass of wine with dinner.
4. Eat Candy with a Meal
Eat candy and other sweet treats along with your meal. Chewing increases saliva production, so less sugary residue will be left behind.
5. Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss
Although you might be tired after a night of celebrating with your loved one, don’t forget to brush and floss before heading to bed. Your mouth is a hotspot for bacteria growth at night. Brushing and flossing will remove plaque and food residue to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist. They’ll monitor your dental health to detect anything concerning to prevent it from turning into a big problem, like a dental emergency.
About Dr. Chase Smith
Dr. Smith earned a degree in biomedical engineering and his dental degree at The Ohio State University. He has completed additional training in many specialties to provide the most current services, including general and cosmetic dentistry. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Ohio Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (740) 299-1119.