Everything that you put in your mouth can affect your teeth and gums, which is why it’s important to be conscious of the positive and negative impacts that certain foods, habits, and items can have on your oral health. Fortunately, with a little guidance from your dentist, it doesn’t have to be a game of “guess and see what happens,” because they know what can harm and what can help your smile. Read on to learn five items that dentists tell their patients to never eat or put in their mouths.

In the midst of a stressful dental emergency, it can be difficult to think clearly and make the best decision for your oral and overall health. However, the best way to prevent additional damage to your mouth is to act quickly and calmly. That’s why it’s a good idea to always have the phone number of your emergency dentist on-hand. If you experience facial swelling that isn’t due to trauma, you may need to visit the emergency room instead of the dentist. Here’s how you can tell where to go based on your symptoms.