Taking care of your teeth and gums throughout your life is vital. Adults only get one set of teeth! That means learning good practices early and giving them the force of habit is the only way to set yourself up to get the longest possible use out of your natural teeth, even into old age.
Below, we’ll walk you through some simple and easy-to-remember tips for keeping your teeth in tip-top shape.
1. Get a Professional Cleaning Every Six Months
At a minimum, you should be putting in an appearance at your favorite family dental clinic every six months. Depending on your unique case and the recommendations of your dentist, it can sometimes be wise to visit every three months.
Getting biannual cleanings from a professional hygienist gives you a chance to bring up any issues that are on your radar, and it helps the dental staff identify the early warning signs of deterioration or decay before they become harder to treat.
2. Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months
The point of brushing and flossing is to prevent the buildup of bacteria, debris, acids and plaque. Brushing with a well-used toothbrush, even if it doesn’t look “dirty,” could reintroduce these contaminants and sabotage the very teeth and gums you’re trying to protect.
Instead, get a new toothbrush every three months for a clean slate. Plus, the fresher and straighter bristles also do a better job cleaning teeth than curled, worn-out bristles. If your toothbrush looks especially careworn before the three-month mark, replace it and try to brush a little less firmly.
3. Switch to an Electric Toothbrush
It’s not a secret that many of us “phone it in” when it comes to brushing our teeth. Instead of brushing for the recommended two minutes and reaching every tooth, some patients brush until they get bored, skip over teeth accidentally, or use inconsistent techniques and pressure.
Electric toothbrushes help you focus on each tooth with a much more thorough cleaning motion than you can perform with just a standard toothbrush. They help you reach each tooth in turn and ensure you’re getting the most productive and effective cleaning for your time and physical effort.
4. Use a Flouride Rinse Regularly
Fluoride treatments don’t deserve the intermittent controversy they’ve inspired over the years. When fluoride is applied topically and as part of a regular oral health care routine, it creates one more deterrent against developing cavities. Talk to your dentist about flouride treatments for added protection against tooth decay.
5. Floss Your Teeth Every Day
Presumably, you’re already brushing your teeth twice daily, but you will also want to get into the habit of following up one of those brushings by flossing between each pair of teeth.
Poor flossing habits leave particles of food behind, which increases your chances of developing tooth decay. Flossing regularly also reduces the likelihood of bleeding gums and inflammation. The latter is associated with gum disease.
6. Eat a Richer Variety of Healthy Foods
After many years of development, dietary guidelines now follow a similar pattern throughout the world. The healthiest diets are those that are rich in fruits and vegetables and include appropriate amounts of proteins and healthy fats.
As it turns out, sugar isn’t the only enemy of tooth enamel. Carbohydrates and starches are just as capable of causing premature enamel deterioration if they’re eaten in large quantities and left on the teeth. Choose a well-rounded diet for better holistic health.
Contact Us to Schedule an Appointment
Looking for more professional insight into teeth care tips? Would you like to schedule an appointment and get back into a proactive oral health care routine? Contact Dental Choice today.
If you find yourself with a dental emergency, make us your first call for that, too. We strive to deliver prompt and professional care, and we’ll make every effort to get your oral health and your smile back.