Healthy teeth play an important role in enjoying a good quality of life. Starting at a young age, it is important to follow several key steps to maintain effective dental health. Dental experts recommend these six ways to prevent problems.
Brush after eating
While some people brush their teeth once or twice a day, usually in the morning and evening, it is better to brush after every meal. This ensures that food particles that get stuck between teeth when eating can be promptly removed rather than allowed to decay and damage the teeth. If you can’t brush after certain meals, for example, when dining in a restaurant, rinse your mouth with water after the meal to prevent cavities.
Floss daily
Dental floss removes significantly more debris that gets stuck between teeth or under the gum line than brushing alone. Flossing at least once a day at bedtime can get rid of leftover crumbs that a toothbrush might have missed. Many cavities originate in between teeth, where it’s hard to reach with a toothbrush.
Avoid acidic foods and beverages
The acidic properties of soda pop or carbonated beverages can be be very harmful to tooth enamel. If possible, avoid drinking these beverages altogether. If you want to enjoy them occasionally, use a straw, which helps to channel the fluid past the teeth and into the back of the mouth for swallowing. Foods or beverages that are highly acidic, like orange juice or tomato sauce, along with sugary desserts should be eaten in small amounts, followed by rinsing or brushing.
Get regular dental checkups
In the dental industry, it is generally recommended that people visit the dentist twice a year for regular checkups. During the visit they will likely have teeth x-rays taken along with an oral exam by the dentist and a cleaning by the hygienist. If problems are noted, a plan of treatment, such as filling cavities or referral to an orthodontist, will be discussed with the patient. Seeing a dentist twice a year helps to monitor oral health and catch problems early before they cause much damage.
Get adequate calcium and Vitamin D
Children, especially, need a certain amount of calcium along with Vitamin D and other nutrients for good dental health. The dentist or pediatrician can provide clear guidelines as to how much each child should get based on individual circumstances.
Avoid unhealthy between-meal snacks
Snack on healthy foods like vegetables or nuts instead of sugary sweets that cause decay. This can greatly reduce the chance of cavities and it can help protect your teeth.
Follow these six tips to enjoy lasting dental health. By seeing a dentist on a regular basis, you can prevent major problems that can compromise your health.
Informational credit to Smith Family Dental.
