You only have one set of dazzling, permanent, natural teeth. To keep them strong and looking great for the rest of your life, you need a solid oral hygiene routine that protects them from decay. Learn more about proper cleaning technique and when it’s time to search for “dentists near my location” to get professional oral care.
A Good Brushing Routine
Our mouths are full of bacteria that never rest. While harmless in small numbers, they form a sticky film on our teeth called plaque. Left unchecked, plaque can build up and harden into gum-irritating tartar. They release byproducts that are damaging to our teeth and gums, and buildup will lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Routine brushing is your first line of defense against plaque and tartar buildup.
Good brushing starts with a soft toothbrush and basic fluoridated toothpaste. A soft toothbrush is gentler on gums and is less likely to damage your teeth. Unless your dentist recommends a special formulation, your toothpaste doesn’t have to be fancy. Most toothpastes use the same core ingredient, fluoride, and a simple buffing agent like baking soda that helps sweep plaque and tartar away.
Establish a great daily routine by:
• Brushing at least twice a day
• Brushing for at least two minutes
• Using light pressure, as pressing too hard can damage your enamel
• Covering all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, bite surface and back
• Making sure you hit all teeth equally, including back molars
Is Fluoride Necessary?
Fluoride plays a key role in dental care. It’s a naturally occurring mineral that’s drastically reduced tooth decay in the modern world. It works by reducing the acids produced by plaque, absorbing into your enamel to strengthen it and preventing future enamel loss. It even helps repair the early stages of tooth decay. If you’re particularly prone to cavities, your dentist may prescribe an extra strength fluoride toothpaste that you can get from your local pharmacy.
Don’t Skip Flossing
Whether you use waxed floss or a Waterpik, flossing helps remove food and plaque buildup from between teeth that regular brushing can miss. It’s especially important for children with braces and people prone to tooth decay. You should floss at least once a day.
Protect Your Enamel
The outer layer of our teeth is called tooth enamel. It’s a protective shell that shields our tooth’s sensitive inner pulp from bacteria, heat, cold and other irritants. Enamel can be eroded by factors like tooth decay, rough brushing and even our diet.
Our modern diet contains a plethora of acidic foods. Coffee, tea, wine, lemonade and sodas are all acidic, and they can all wear away tooth enamel. To prevent enamel wear, follow sips of acidic drinks with sips of water. If your diet is heavy in acids, speak with your dentist about other ways to address enamel wear.
Watch Your Diet
Sugars and carbohydrates also play a role in mouth health. Plaque bacteria feed on sugars that are ample in both sugary and starchy foods like candy, bread and potatoes. Having a carb-rich diet can encourage tooth decay, especially in young children. Habits like sucking cough drops or chewing gum that contains real sugar accelerate the process. Protecting your teeth is an excellent reason to make healthy changes to your diet.
Don’t Ignore Problems
Tooth sensitivity, chipped teeth, dull toothaches, bleeding gums and mouth sores are all signs that something isn’t right inside of your mouth. Many people let these mild symptoms go, but today’s little pain could turn into monstrous pain, more expensive treatments and even tooth loss down the road. At the first sign of a problem, make an appointment with your local dentist. Don’t have a regular dentist? Search for “full service dentists near my location” to get comprehensive oral care under one roof.
Your Annual Cleaning at Dentists Near My Location
Dentists recommend getting an annual cleaning twice a year. Only a dentist can clean every bit of plaque and tartar buildup off of key areas like your gum line and bite surfaces. During your exam, your dentist will also check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer and other oral health concerns. They can also offer advice on how to alter your routine based on your health and history. Surprising factors like what medications you take or if you have certain illnesses can change your oral health needs.
Do you search for “dentists near my location” every time you need a cleaning? Picking one practice and sticking with it simplifies paperwork and lets you build a relationship with your oral care team. Choose a full service dentistry that has all of your bases covered. From annual cleanings to orthodontics, Sky Dental Alliance offers comprehensive oral care under one roof. Come and join our family today!