Your Brief Guide to Preventing Summertime Dental Emergencies

Life can come at you pretty fast, and sometimes, unexpected incidents such as dental emergencies can occur out of the blue and when it’s least convenient—they might even pop up during your summer vacation! But you don’t have to live in fear or postpone your summer fun due to concerns about dental-related injuries; with a little knowledge and preparation, these scenarios can easily be avoided. Here are some useful tips from your trusted emergency dentist for preventing dental emergencies this summer so you can focus on having a fantastic time!

Tip #1. Prepare a Dental Emergency Kit

You can take a page from the Boy Scout handbook and “be prepared” for dental emergencies by putting together a kit of useful emergency supplies. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive, but at least try to include any essential items that you’ll need to quickly leap into action and prevent the situation from worsening. Here are some ideas:

• A card including your dentist’s contact information
• Gauze or a clean handkerchief
• Saline solution
• Dental wax
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• A small plastic container with a lid (for displaced teeth or restorations)

Tip #2. Practice Sports Safety

If you or your family members actively participate in sports (contact and noncontact alike), it’s in your best interest to practice sports safety. A protective mouthguard or facemask can be quite a lifesaver when it comes to protecting your smile from a physical injury—believe it or not, the vast majority of all dental-related emergencies can be traced back to sports! If you’re planning to spend time at the swimming pool, be sure that you aren’t running on wet surfaces; one slip and fall is all it takes to harm your pearly whites!

Tip #3. Stick to Eating Healthy Summertime Snacks

There are several classic summertime snacks and treats that are perfect for the warmer weather—things like snow cones, popsicles, and refreshing, ice-cold drinks are all unrivaled for cooling off! However, many of these popular items are unhealthy for teeth when consumed in excess, so it’s best to moderate your eating habits and make smart, sensible dietary choices when possible. When you can, enjoy a fresh piece of fruit, a crisp vegetable, some yogurt or cheese, or another low-sugar option.

Tip #4. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

No matter where you’re going or what you’re planning this summer, you should strive to maintain excellent oral hygiene—at home and on the road! Be sure that you’re brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily and practicing good oral habits. If you’re planning to leave, don’t forget to pick up a travel-sized toothbrush to take with you so that your oral health isn’t affected by your travels.

Tip #5. Kick Things Off with a Dental Checkup

Finally, be sure to schedule a dental checkup before getting too invested in your summertime activities. To put it simply, these visits ensure that your teeth and gums are in tip-top shape heading into the summer season, meaning that you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your smile looks and feels great. Plus, these visits are often easy to fit into summer schedules since things tend to slow down and many of us have extra time off from work or school.

About the Practice

The talented team at Blue Coast Dental Group has proudly served patients and families in the Torrance, CA community for several years. The practice is fortunate to house four skilled specialists: Dr. Sanaz Hamzehpour, Dr. George Cho, Dr. Maria Galvan, and Dr. Pedram Marhabi. They’re excited to offer a wide range of services including emergency dentistry for those in need of urgent care, so if you or a loved one is suffering a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact the practice today! Telephone: (310) 424-3100.