Great oral health will help maintain optimum overall health. Daily brushing and flossing take only a couple of minutes each day; visiting your family dentist for cleaning every six months can take less than a couple of hours out of a whole year. But these are minimal needs … there are many other habits you can adopt to promote great dental health.
Use the Best Dental Tools Available
Toothbrush – Use a soft bristle toothbrush. Don’t scrub your teeth; use moderate pressure and clean the front, back, and tops of all your teeth. Your family dentist may recommend using an electric toothbrush as they do most of the work – simply guide them to clean all areas of your mouth. Most have a built-in timer, so you will actually brush the recommended two minutes each time.
Toothpaste – A fluoridated toothpaste is recommended. If you suffer from sensitivity, you should brush with a paste or gel that is designed to bring you relief.
Dental floss – Flossing is every bit as important as brushing on a daily basis. Brushing only reaches about two thirds of the surfaces of your teeth, but flossing gets in between teeth and areas difficult to reach to remove debris that your toothbrush missed. There are many flossing products available so finding one that you like best may encourage daily use.
Mouthwashes and Rinses – There are a variety of products available to combat problems like dry mouth, bad breath, canker sores, gingivitis, plaque build-up, and dental decay to name a few. Ask your dental provider to recommend the products that will work best for you.
Break Bad Habits that Could Destroy Your Dental Health
Tobacco Use – Cigarettes (including e-cigs), cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco … you are putting more than your teeth at risk if you use tobacco.
Beverages – Nursing soda or sugary beverages can promote dental decay. If you are going to consume, drink with a meal and use a straw. Water is the ideal beverage to promote proper hydration. Tap water contains fluoride to support dental health.
Healthy Foods – Learn to like crunchy fruits and vegetables; foods high in sugar and carbs feed the bacteria already present on teeth. These turn to acids that can permeate dental enamel leading to cavities.
Never use your teeth to open packages – they are designed to chew your food, speak clearly, and smile brightly.
For additional tips or to schedule an appointment, contact our team at A Smile Above today.