Did you know that most dental emergencies happen during the summer? Fortunately, most of them are also preventable! Our dentist in Simi Valley has four tips to help you care for your smile this summer so that you can enjoy healthy teeth (and gums) all year long.
#1 Catch up on Dental Exams & Cleanings in Simi Valley
A lot of Simi Valley families fell behind on their preventative care visits over the past year. Everything from checkups and cleanings to basic dental work got pushed off, because of shut-downs and social distancing. Unfortunately, all of these delays in care also caused flare-ups that could have otherwise been prevented.
Even if you haven’t experienced any dental problems, now is the time to get your oral health back in order. Buildup like tartar between your teeth needs to be professionally removed before it has a chance to trigger gum disease and bone loss.
People with generally healthy teeth and gums need to schedule a dental cleaning every six months. If you’ve had gum disease in the past, those visits may need to be even more frequent. After the pandemic, a lot of us lost track of preventative care that we needed to keep our smiles healthy. Today is a great opportunity to change that.
#2 Request Fluoride Treatments
In Simi Valley, fluoride is an important piece of your preventative care routine. While we get fluoride naturally from the foods we eat and the water we drink, sometimes we need more. Especially if we have sensitive teeth, enamel erosion, or a history of frequent tooth decay.
After your professional cleaning, we recommend following the procedure with a fluoride treatment. Topical fluoride helps remineralize weak enamel to make teeth more resistant to bacteria. It can even reverse the earliest signs of enamel weakening, where cavities are beginning to try to form.
If you’re at especially high risk for tooth decay, we might prescribe a fluoride gel for you to use at home. Fluoride isn’t just for kids! It can help adults enjoy healthier teeth and less dental work by promoting stronger enamel.
#3 Invest in a Mouthguard
The most common types of emergencies that our dentist in Simi Valley sees in the summer are broken, chipped teeth. Oftentimes, concussions accompany the injuries. Fortunately, wearing a professionally fitted mouthguard can lower your risk of both knocked-out teeth as well as concussions.
Since custom mouthguards are individually fitted to your teeth, they stay in place when you need them the most. Plus, they offer a higher level of protection than stock or one-size appliances you’ll find in the supermarket.
Consider sports mouthguards an essential piece of dental insurance for your smile!
#4 Look at Your Tooth Alignment
Surprisingly, crooked and misaligned teeth are at higher risk for dental injuries, cavities, gum disease, and TMJ disorder. Investing in something like orthodontics in Simi Valley isn’t just about the perks of straighter-looking teeth. Orthodontic therapy can also help you enjoy healthier teeth for years to come.
If you’re thinking to yourself, “I’m too old for braces,” think again. Our dentist in Simi Valley provides orthodontics for all ages, including adults in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Many of our adult orthodontic patients never had the chance to enjoy braces at a younger age, so they’re finally gifting themselves with the straighter smile they’ve always wanted.
Visit Our Dentist in Simi Valley Today
Wherever you’re at on your smile journey, Hello Smile Dental is happy to help! Our commitment to a prevention-based care approach puts your goals and comfort first. If you’re due for a checkup or have questions about orthodontics in Simi Valley, contact us today.