Dental problems can happen at any time of year, but with the warm weather of the spring and summer months comes the familiar tunes of the ice cream truck — and a greater desire to enjoy sweet treats in the sun — which can lead to oral health problems.
Research shows that in recent years, as temperatures rise, the purchasing and consumption of sugary sweets increased by 0.7 grams a day for every 1.8 degrees of warming. Combine that with water loss from the heat that creates the need to drink up and cool off, and you have the formula for more ice cream eating and soda drinking.
Problems like this — and other things that happen more often in warm seasons, like sports injuries — can lead to dental emergencies that require prompt attention. Professional dental cleanings and exams, along with proper daily oral care, can significantly reduce your risk of these emergencies.
Are you trying to lower your risk of dental issues in the warmer months? Dr. Roge Jacob and Dr. Magdalena Azzarelli of Hillsdale Dental Care in San Jose, California, are here to help.
All types of tooth and gum damage, swelling, or pain should get medical attention, but the following issues should be taken care of as soon as possible:
Any situation calls for saving a tooth or treating major bleeding, infection, or pain is a dental emergency. If our team isn’t immediately available for a problem that requires prompt care (e.g., knocked out tooth, uncontrolled bleeding), go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room.
Impact from injuries often leads to the trauma associated with some dental emergencies, while other types are due to problems with oral diseases like cavities and periodontitis.
Nonstop oral bleeding is a definite sign of a dental emergency, but others include constant, severe pain, jaw or facial swelling, fever, visible pus, and facial trauma. Any visible damage to teeth, such as cracks, breaks, dislodging, or fallen-out teeth, needs medical attention ASAP.
Deep cleaning is a preventive dental procedure that can help to remove harmful bacteria from teeth and gums, which helps reduce the risk of infection and many of the complications of oral disease that can cause dental emergencies.
These procedures generally consist of scaling, which removes tartar and plaque from teeth, and root planing, which cleans it from under the gumline.
If you’ve had problems with decay in other teeth, this can also help to preserve the remaining teeth for as long as possible, along with routine brushing and flossing at home and regular dental visits.
Have fun in the sun — but if you’re going to indulge while you’re out, take care of your teeth and consider having a deep cleaning to keep them healthy and problem-free.
For expert tips on how to best care for your teeth through the warm weather months, make an appointment with our Hillsdale Dental Care team today.
