Skip the Emergency Dentist’s Office This Valentine’s Day with These Tips

For many people, Valentine’s Day means dinner reservations, romantic locales, and plenty of sweets. While that box of chocolates that you’re giving your special someone is a wonderful way to show them your affection, too much sugar can have negative consequences for your teeth like tooth decay and increased tooth sensitivity. Here are a few tips to help you dodge the emergency dentist’s office after Valentine’s Day.

Be Prepared

One of the best things you can do to avoid dental emergencies is to take excellent care of your teeth every day. An ideal oral healthcare regimen includes:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will eliminate much of the plaque and food debris clinging to your teeth.
  • Brushing and flossing are equally crucial to your oral health. Floss at least once a day to eliminate plaque and food debris from the spaces between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.
  • For a finishing touch, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval. This germ-busting concoction will kill more than 99.9% of harmful oral bacteria on contact.
  • See your dentist at least twice a year for exams and cleanings. Your dentist can catch and correct problems in their early stages while advising you on better oral hygiene practices.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is a crucial part of maintaining your oral and overall health. Your teeth depend in no small part on adequate saliva flow because it helps dilute harmful chemicals and flush away food debris and plaque. Valentine’s favorites like red wine, coffee, tea, and chocolate all contain substances like sugar and acid that can be harmful to your teeth, and drinking water liberally while you enjoy them will help wash these chemicals away.

Bring Some Sugar-Free Gum

While gum and mints with sugar may seem harmless, they can leave your teeth coated in a residue that can feed the bacteria that erode enamel. The American Dental Association recommends chewing sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva flow and help clear food debris away from the teeth. They also come in flavors like spearmint or peppermint that can freshen your breath as well as bubblegum flavors that can be fun for you and your date.

Don’t let a romantic evening leave you with tooth decay in the morning. Staying on top of your oral hygiene can help your smile look its best for Valentine’s Day and every other day as well.

About the Author

Dr. Roman Kotlarek earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio before taking Northeast regional and Texas board examinations. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Houston, TX offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more tips on preventing dental emergencies, contact the office online or dial (281) 920-4200.