Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve also been told that you have nice teeth, it’s important to know what the right steps are in order to take care of them and prevent issues from arising. This involves not only knowing what the right oral care products to use are, but also being mindful of your daily habits.
- Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth. Many of us neglect brushing our teeth at night, but it’s important to remember that when you brush your teeth before bed, it is getting rid of the daily accumulation of plaque and germs.
- Properly brush your teeth and tongue. Take your time when brushing your teeth, since doing a bad job at brushing your teeth, it’s just as bad as not brushing your teeth at all. The plaque that isn’t removed hardens over time, which can lead to tartar build-up and eventually gum disease. Plaque also builds up on your tongue. If you don’t brush it, it can lead to bad breath and other oral health issues.
- Toothpaste is more than just about its flavor or brand. Choosing a toothpaste with fluoride is best. Fluoride, which has a bad rap, is one of the leading defenses against tooth decay.
- Floss, floss, floss! Even people who regularly brush, regularly neglect flossing. While floss is perfect for getting those little pieces of food stuck between your teeth, it also helps stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and lower inflammation. If flossing is hard for you to do, look into investing in other tools that can help with flossing, like ready-to-use flossers on a stick.
- Mouthwash has a lot of benefits! It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, and it helps clean those hard-to-brush areas near the gum. It also helps remineralize the teeth.
- Drink as much water as you can. It’s not only good for you physically, but it also helps wash your mouth from sticky and acidic foods and drinks throughout the day. It is the best beverage for your overall health.
- Eat plenty of crunchy produce. Eating crunchy produce is not only good for getting more healthy fiber, but it’s also a great choice for your teeth.
- Limit how much sugary and acidic food you consume. Sugar converts into acid when in the mouth and this can cause erosion to the enamel. These acids are the main cause of cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee are also culprits for wearing down tooth enamel. While it’s not necessary that you avoid these foods entirely, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful of how much you are consuming.
- Of course, visit your dentist regularly. Your daily habits are key to your overall oral health. Even those who regularly brush, and floss need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should have cleanings and checkups twice a year. Your dentist can remove calculus and look for cavities, as well as spot potential issues and offer solutions. Regularly visits helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities.
Your dentist will be able to advise you on how to keep your mouth healthy and can also share nutrition recommendations. When you follow your dentist’s hygiene tips, you will be able to choose the best products, improve your techniques, and ensure you’re doing everything in your power to keep your mouth free of cavities. Give Foothill Dental Care in Livermore a call at (925) 961-5484 to book an appointment today!