5 Things That Increase Your Risk of a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone and at any time, even to those who brush and floss regularly. The truth is, even if you practice great dental hygiene, there are still some things that can increase your risk of a dental emergency. Let’s check in with your dentist in Lewisburg to see the top five things that can put you at increased risk. 

  • Chewing Ice. Gnawing on ice may help cool you down but it’s also a good way to damage your teeth. Ice is very hard, and crunching it with your teeth can lead to cracks or chips in your enamel. Not only that, but tiny tooth fractures can occur without you even knowing it, and these small cracks provide an ideal environment for bacteria to settle in, leading to decay and cavities. 
  • Constant Snacking. We understand that snacking on munchies throughout the day can be comforting. However, if you don’t limit how often you snack, you’re constantly exposing your teeth to food. Why is this a concern for your dentist in Lewisburg? Well, food particles feed the bacteria in our mouths, and the more we snack, the more we fuel the bacteria. As a result, these bacteria produce an acidic byproduct. The acid is then left behind, causing damage to tooth enamel and increasing the chance of decay.   
  • Biting Your Nails. An incredibly common yet concerning habit is nail-biting. Not only can biting your nails expose you to germs and bacteria that are hiding underneath, but it can also damage teeth and even cause some jaw problems. 
  • Using Teeth as Tools. Everyone has used their teeth to rip open a pesky package, pull a pen cap off, or hold something when both hands are occupied. But just because everyone has done it doesn’t mean we should. In fact, using teeth to do anything besides chew can greatly increase the chance for damage such as breaking or chipping a tooth or cutting the soft tissues in your mouth. 
  • Smoking. One of the greatest risks to oral health is smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products such as cigars or chewing tobacco. These habits put you at greater risk of oral cancer and discolor your teeth or contribute to gum disease. If not treated, gum disease and oral cancer can lead to other major health problems that can affect the rest of your body. But that’s not all. Tobacco users also have a greater chance of tooth loss. 

We know that breaking habits can be difficult, but your dentist in Lewisburg encourages you to try your best to avoid habits that can put at increased risk of experiencing a dental emergency or other dental problems down the road. Of course, the best way to protect your smile is to visit us at least every six months.*

If you think you have a dental emergency, call your dentist

Serving patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and Williamsport.

*At the time of publishing, the ADA has recommended the postponement of all preventive dental appointments. Please check your local recommendations. 

Helpful Hints to Protect Your Oral Health

During these unprecedented times, we’ve all become much more focused on caring for our overall health. But did you know that taking care of your oral health is also a crucial part of staying healthy? Join your dentist in Lewisburg as we share some helpful hints that you can use to protect your oral and overall health now and forever.

Wash Your Hands

This important message has been spread far and wide over the past few weeks, and with good reason. Washing your hands several times a day can help remove germs and keep you healthy. It’s also important to wash your hands prior to brushing or flossing your teeth. So before you pick up your toothbrush or floss, scrub your mitts for at least 20 seconds and never put unwashed hands or fingers in your mouth. 

Don’t Bite Your Nails

Speaking of not putting your hands in your mouth, now is a great time to stop your nail-biting habit. Not only are our nails packed with dirt and bacteria that are easily transferred into our mouths when we nibble on our nails, but you can also damage your teeth from the constant biting. 

Protect Your Toothbrush

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine has always been important, and your dentist in Lewisburg still recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day. But you also need to protect your toothbrush from damage and bacteria buildup. To do this, make sure you store your toothbrush properly. This means keeping your toothbrush away from other ones in your house — a few inches will do. You should also store your toothbrush upright with the bristles at the top and keep it uncovered. Avoid cross-contamination by never sharing your toothbrush with anyone, as that can lead to an unhealthy exchange of bodily fluids. 

Replace & Disinfect Your Toothbrush

If you do happen to get sick, you should invest in a new toothbrush once you feel better. In the meantime, you can disinfect your toothbrush using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. In fact, a peer-reviewed study has found that 0.5% hydrogen peroxide effectively reduces coronavirus infectivity. To make this mixture for your toothbrush, follow these steps:

  • Mix 1 fl oz of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 5 fl oz of water
  • Soak your toothbrush in the mixture for 10 minutes. Dump out the mixture. 
  • Rinse your toothbrush prior to brushing. 

Even if you haven’t been sick but your toothbrush is 3-4 months old, or if the bristles are frayed, you should still purchase a new toothbrush. 

At this time, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends postponing any routine dental care for three weeks. Please know that your dentist in Lewisburg is eagerly awaiting the day when we can actively see all of our patients again in our clean and safe office. Until that time, take care of your oral health at home to protect your teeth and your overall health. 

We’re happy to serve patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby communities.