How to Care for Your Teeth?

 

Have you seen a set of dentures resting in a glass of water on a nightstand? These dentures don’t even have to belong to you. If you practice good oral habits every day, they can last a lifetime. Besides, taking good care of your teeth can help to prevent both dental and medical problems such as gum disease.

Here are some of the things to do and those to avoid to keep your teeth in top-notch conditions.

Flossing

Flossing removes food particles and bacterial plaque in places where the toothbrush can’t reach. It’s a good habit to help remove particles and plaque that builds over time on your teeth to avoid gum disease. Flossing once is enough for most, but those who are prone to gum disease should floss twice a day.

Brushing twice a day

Brushing when you wake up and right before retiring to bed is a great way to keep your teeth clean. Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste, and the bristles of your toothbrush should be soft. Also, do not harsh scrub as this can damage the teeth and gums. When brushing your teeth, ensure to spend enough time on each quadrant of your mouth and clean every surface of the tooth – the front side, the back, and the side that faces the tongue and the chewing edge.

Seeing your dentist regularly

You can brush, floss, mouthwash, and all, but that’s not enough. Even with excellent oral hygiene, there will still be tartar build-up below your gums. You also need additional professional cleanings and examinations to keep your mouth healthy. On that note, you need to visit us at Springvale Dental Clinic.

Wear athletic mouthguard

Bacterial plaque isn’t the only thing that can harm your teeth; it can also suffer from injury. If you are a sports person, it’s necessary to wear an athletic mouthguard for safety. You can ask your dentist to customize a mouthguard that perfectly fits you and is comfortable to wear.

Wear a custom-made night guard

Do you grind your teeth during your sleep? In extreme cases, it can damage the enamel and result in increased tooth sensitivity. The solution is to ask your dentist to make a special mouthguard to wear at night to protect your teeth or existing dental work.

Things to avoid

• Soda – most carbonated soft drinks contain acids that attack the enamel and promote tooth decay. Soda also dries out the mouth leaving you with less saliva, so it’s advisable to stay hydrated after the drink.
• Smoking – Smokers are six times more likely to develop gum disease by causing the gums to loosen, providing a favorable place for plaque to settle. It also hides the early warning signs of gum disease and increases the risk of oral cancer.
• Starchy and sugary snacks – Starchy foods get stuck between the teeth, giving bacteria time to interact and damage. If you need an in-between snack, try fresh fruits, veggies, and cheese/yogurt without added sugars.
• Oral piercing – these can irritate the gum tissue and the enamel if scratched, which may cause tooth sensitivity.

Bottom Line

Healthy teeth and gums make it easier for you to eat and speak. Remember to brush and floss regularly to remove food debris that could cause dental plaque. If you have mouth or tooth pain, get it checked as early as you can to avoid worsening it. Also, visit our dentist at Springvale Dental Clinic at least twice a year for diagnosis and clean-up.

Check out Our Infographic :

Take Care Of Your Teeth and They’ll Take Care Of You