4 Tips to Avoid an Emergency Trip to the Dentist

When you’re a parent, you always want what’s best for your child, and that includes what’s best for their teeth. You want to avoid having a dental emergency because it can scare your little one, and you don’t want them to grow up being terrified of the dentist! Let’s talk about 4 ways you can prevent having to make an extra trip to your emergency dentist’s office.

1. Don’t Use Teeth as Tools

Teeth should pretty much only be used for chewing foods. Teach your child how to safely use scissors to cut things open, and that they should NEVER use their teeth as tools to open things. Also, don’t use teeth to remove a lid from a bottle. Both of these activities can increase the chance of a tooth cracking, breaking, or even coming out completely. Even if that tooth is a baby tooth, it’s important that it stay safe.

2. Limit Sugary Sports Drinks

Just because sports drinks are popular in the summer doesn’t make them safe. Sugary drinks can leave a sticky film called plaque on the teeth. When you go too long without brushing away that plaque, it can harden into tartar, which leads to gum disease and cavities. Substitute sports drinks for water to stay hydrated during the summer. If your kid insists on sports drinks, have them use a straw. This way, the drink bypasses the teeth, leading to less plaque.

3. Protect Teeth During Sports

Speaking of sports, make you’re your child’s teeth are well protected, especially during contact sports like football. You can do this by getting a custom mouthguard made at your dentist’s office. It may be more expensive than a mouthguard you buy at the drugstore, but it will fit more precisely and protect your child’s teeth more effectively. By doing this you can avoid a trip to your emergency dentist due to a tooth injury.

4. Visit the Dentist Every 6 Months

Kids don’t generally like going to the dentist, but it’s important that they go to get their teeth professionally cleaned. Their dentist can also check for cavities and get them treated early on, before they get worse down the road.

Avoiding dental emergencies is the best way to keep your little one’s smile in check. By instilling these habits in them, you can keep their smile happy and healthy for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Jayme Martinez earned his dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry, and is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas County Dental Society. If you or your child encounter a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to come to Kessler Park Dental in Dallas or call (214)-303-9969.