Dental Emergency - Wicker Park Dentist Encourages People To Keep Their Teeth Healthy Over the Summer

Online, June 20, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Dr. Yasser Elseweifi, of Bucktown Dental Associates is encouraging patients to make dental care a priority this summer. He reminds current and potential patients alike or the unique risks that summer foods, drinks, and activities can pose to dental health.

"Maintaining good oral health is a year-round pursuit, but with each season comes a new set of precautions. I've been working hard to help prepare patients - and especially parents - for the season," Dr. Elseweifi said.

A time for barbecues, visits to the ice cream truck and sugary sodas, the summer season puts people at added risk for dental emergency. Therefore, patients should take extra care when chewing hard food including popcorn, nuts, ice, meat, and candy, and to remember that a cracked tooth may take several hours or days to show symptoms. In the case of hot and cold sensitivity or general tooth pain, patients are advised to contact their dentist immediately.

Beyond summer foods, Dr. Elseweifi also urges children and their parents to protect their teeth while swimming, biking, and playing sports. For many team sports, He recommends investing in a mouth guard to protect against injuries; mouth guards come in many different sizes and colors, making them more appealing to children. In the event of a damaged or broken tooth, patients are encouraged to rinse out their mouths and carefully clean the area around the tooth; then the person should call a dentist right away and apply a cooling compress if needed.

Swimming, while also placing children and adults at risk for chipped or broken teeth, presents additional challenges, Dr. Elseweifi notes. The chlorine and other chemicals common in swimming pools can be harmful to teeth, so patients are recommended to have a drink of chlorine-free water or use mouthwash after swimming.

To further improve dental health, there are certain measures that patients should take all year round, Dr. Elseweifi advises; daily flossing, brushing twice a day, and using fluoride toothpaste can improve both teeth and gum health. But even patients practicing good home hygiene should have regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and checkups.

"Professional teeth cleaning sessions every six months helps remove tartar build-up in hard-to-reach areas. Plus, regular examination can help catch potential health problems early, avoiding costly surgeries down the line," Dr. Elseweifi said.