10 Tips for Healthy Teeth
on Wednesday, December 12, 2018
It takes routine and daily care to maintain good health for your teeth. It’s important to have the right care products for your dental health and to form habits that will keep you in the mindset of regularly attending to your teeth and gums. Make the following tips for dental care part of your daily routine to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
1. Always brush before bedtime.
Especially after a busy and tiring day, it can be easy to neglect brushing your teeth at night. However, brushing before bed is incredibly important because it gets rid of the germs and plaque that have accumulated throughout the day.
2. Use proper brushing technique.
It’s not just about brushing regularly, but how you brush. Take your time while moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Failing to remove plaque can lead to it becoming hard, which in turn leads to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).
3. Don’t forget your tongue.
Plaque isn’t just on your teeth. It can build up on your tongue as well. This contributes to bad mouth odor and can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.
4. Use a fluoride toothpaste.
Make sure your brand of toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay, so it is crucial to oral health. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.
5. Always floss.
Flossing is just as important as brushing. Not only does it get rid of bits of food stuck between teeth, but it stimulates the gums, reduces plaque, and helps lower inflammation. Floss once a day, every day. Don’t let difficulties stop you. It can be difficult for young children or adults with arthritis. Look for tools that can help you floss your teeth, such as ready-to-use dental flossers.
6. Consider mouthwash.
Mouthwash helps in a number of ways. It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth. This could also be a useful tool for those who find flossing difficult. Check with your dentist about specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands work better for children or those with sensitive teeth, and prescription mouthwash is also available.
7. Drink more water.
Water contributes largely to your overall health, so it’s no surprise it will help with your oral health as well. Drinking water at every meal can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky or acidic foods and beverages between brushes.
8. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables.
Fresh, crunchy produce contains more healthy fiber and it is good for your teeth. Giving your kids those harder-to-eat foods gets the jaws working.
9. Limit sugary and acidic foods.
Sugar converts to acid in your mouth, which can erode enamel and lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. Be mindful of your intake of these things.
10. See your dentist at least twice a year.
No matter how perfect your oral health care routine, you need to see a dentist regularly. Twice yearly cleanings and checkups should be the minimum. Dentists can remove calculus and look for cavities as well as spot potential issues and offer other treatments.
When was the last time you saw a dentist? Be proactive about your oral health – schedule an appointment today for an oral checkup with Gresham Family Dentistry. At Gresham Family Dentistry, our first priority is your comfort. We take pride in protecting the oral health of Gresham families. We offer cleaning, oral surgeries, child dentistry, and more at Gresham Family Dentistry. Contact us today for an appointment or call 503-661-2600.
Our hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 7:30AM – 4:00PM and Thursday 7:30AM – 5:00PM.
