The best way to prevent issues and maintain good oral health is with a dental routine; the key is to be consistent, whether at home or away. While most know that brushing and flossing are related to dental wellness, there are specific recommendations and suggestions that can make this more effective at avoiding issues like periodontal disease and cavities.
Maintain a dental routine at home that includes the following components:
Brushing
The American Dental Association, or ADA, recommend that patients of all ages brush at least twice per day to remove the bacteria and tartar that cause plaque and decay. They suggest brushing for at least two full minutes, using a vertical approach that ensures you don’t damage the enamel on your teeth. If you fail to brush properly, you do risk injury to the mouth like sores or abrasions. Also, use a soft bristled brush rather than a stiff toothbrush, which can cause additional and extensive damage to your teeth over time.
Flossing
Do you floss your teeth? The ADA recommend flossing at least once a day, and they assert that flossing may be even more integral to dental health than brushing! Like brushing, flossing too aggressively can cause damage, inflammation, or injury to your gums, so slow down and follow proper technique. There are numerous flossing products, tapes, and picks on the market that can make it easier and more comfortable to floss regularly. Talk to your dental provider for specific suggestions that may encourage you to floss.
Rinsing
After a snack or sugary beverage, make sure to rinse your mouth. Since it is not always possible to have a toothbrush on-hand or to be able to brush after eating or drinking, give your mouth a good rinse instead. This can help remove sugars from the surface of the tooth enamel, so that it prevents the risk of decay. Buy a dental rinse to keep nearby, or in a pinch, rinse with plenty of water after eating or drinking.
Diet
You are what you eat, and your teeth are also impacted by diet. Make sure to eat a diet rich in calcium for strong bones and tooth enamel. Foods that are high in calcium include dairy products and leafy green vegetables, like kale. Avoid foods with high acidity, like citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, and juices, which can damage and deteriorate tooth enamel significantly.
Dental Visits
Have you visited your dentist lately? Dental providers widely suggest that patients see their dentist every six months, on average, across the lifespan. That is, start children with dental appointments from as young as a year old; this helps familiarize them with the process of dental examinations and teach them to take care of their teeth.
Do you need a dental provider in Mt. Pleasant? Call on the team at Old Mt Pleasant Dentistry, in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina. Preserve and protect your smile; maintain a consistent dental routine and see your dentist regularly. Call for an appointment today!
