Did you know that there is a 30% increase in dental injuries to adults in the summer months? Plus, recent research collected from thousands of U.S. dental practices found that there is a 50% climb in children who experience dental injuries during summertime. This has led medical professionals to refer to June, July, and August as “trauma season.” While dental emergencies can happen at a moment’s notice, being aware of the common causes and prevention tactics can help protect you and your family from experiencing one. Therefore, your emergency dentist in McKinney is sharing everything you need to know about preserving your smile this summer!
Summer Sports
Did you know that 5 million teeth are knocked-out annually in sports-related injuries alone? Whether it is a pick-up game of frisbee or a routine soccer match, it is of the utmost importance that you practice proper prevention by wearing a mouthguard. While you can purchase a standard, one-size-fits-all mouthguard from your local sporting goods store, a custom one from your dentist will provide you the maximum protection you need. That way, you can enjoy all the activities summer has to offer without compromising your smile!
Frequent Snacking
Whether it is a fresh bag of popcorn during a movie night, an ice-cold popsicle by the pool, or a late-night ice cream run, summer is often filled with a lot of snacking. While indulging now and again is an integral part of summertime, too much of it results in unsightly tooth decay and fall cavities. So, it is crucial to your oral health that you reserve these treats for special occasions and remain consistent with your dental hygiene routine. This will protect you (and your teeth!) from an unexpected dental emergency from a cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged tooth!
Consuming High-Sugar Drinks
Often, soda is looked at as the culprit of tooth decay and eroding enamel. While it is one of the beverages that dentists across the board strongly advise against, other high-sugar drinks can leave your teeth vulnerable to cavities as well. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your intake of sweetened ice-tea, lemonade, sports drinks, and other beverages that are packed with added sugar. In fact, even certain brands of sparkling water contain up to 10 grams! To prevent your teeth from discoloration, painful toothaches, and damage, opt for water this summer.
Neglecting Your Bi-Yearly Visits
Between traveling, afternoons by the pool, and all the other fun in the sun you have planned this summer, a trip to the dentist can quickly fall to the bottom of your to-do list. However, your bi-yearly visits play a crucial role in your oral health. In fact, they can treat dental damage early on and even spot non-dental issues (like diabetes and oral cancer). So, before you push off your visit for another month, give your teeth and gums the proper care they need by scheduling an appointment with your dentist.
Although summer is a time to catch up on some much-needed R&R, it is important to keep your oral health in mind. That way, you can fill your summer with fun, beautiful memories, instead of a traumatic experience that requires an emergency trip to your dentist!
About the Practice
Whether you need a routine cleaning, a specialty service, or emergency treatment, the talented team at OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics is ready to help! Led by the husband-wife duo of Dr. Nathan Coughlin and Dr. Christine Coughlin, Dr. Manhvu Nguyen and the rest of the staff are united by their passion for dentistry and mission to provide you with exemplary, convenient care. In fact, that is why they offer extended open hours and are available for emergency dental injuries! If you are wondering how to save your tooth in McKinney or require an emergency dentist, don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call at 469-526-4040.