Dental Maintenance: Caring for Your Teeth
Your oral health is just one piece to the puzzle for your overall health. Regular maintenance of your teeth and mouth helps to protect your body from unhealthy bacteria.
It’s important to stay proactive with your oral health and not wait until you have problems. This keeps your teeth and mouth healthy and clean and also helps protect your body from other diseases and harmful conditions.
Learn what steps you can take to care for your teeth and mouth.
Commit to Daily Dental Hygiene
Maintaining the best oral health starts at home with a daily routine. When you follow these regular oral health tips, you can keep your teeth strong, your mouth healthy and protect your body.
One of the best and most effective tips for daily dental hygiene is to brush your teeth after meals and at least twice a day, preferably with fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush your tongue, too, as your tongue can hold bacteria like a sponge. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper.
It’s also important to floss each day to remove any food particles and plaque that might build up between your teeth.
To kill bacteria, regularly use an antimicrobial mouthwash with fluoride. This freshens your breath and also helps prevent cavities.
Schedule Routine Professional Dental Care
At-home daily maintenance is a great way to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but it also is important to see a dentist regularly.
Schedule a visit with your dentist to have your teeth cleaned and checked at least two times per year. This will ensure that your teeth are professionally cleaned. Your dentist also will do a full checkup to prevent and address any potential issues.
During your dentist visits, you will receive X-rays on a regular basis. This allows your dentist or hygienist to check for problems that might not be visible to the naked eye.
In addition to a thorough cleaning, your dentist will provide fluoride treatments that will strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities.
Working with your dentist to care for your teeth will help you maintain excellent oral health.
How Your Diet Impacts Dental Maintenance
Oral hygiene is, in part, regular cleaning of your teeth and mouth. But another major player in oral care is considering what you consume.
To keep your teeth white and healthy, avoid tobacco products that can discolor and damage your teeth. It also is important to steer clear of excessive alcohol or sugary drinks.
Too much sugar and highly acidic foods can damage your teeth, wearing down your enamel and potentially causing cavities.
Instead, work to include healthy, nutrient-rich foods that are high in vitamins and minerals. This will support your overall dental health. Examples of healthy foods include:
- Dairy products
- Nuts
- Leafy greens
How To Handle A Dental Emergency
Keeping up with your oral health includes knowing how to prevent or properly address dental emergencies.
Dental emergencies can range from a lost filling to a toothache, lacerated gums, or a chipped tooth. If you or your children play sports, it is important to wear protective gear like a mouthguard. This will help to prevent damage to your teeth.
If you experience a dental emergency, contact your dentist’s office immediately. Your dentist can tell you how to handle the emergency: whether in office, at home, or to visit an urgent care provider or emergency room.
Prioritizing Your Dental Health
Good oral health is good for your whole body. It keeps your teeth and mouth clean and helps to prevent bad bacteria from causing other problems in your body.
Make dental hygiene a priority and remember to schedule regular dental visits. Don’t wait until a dental emergency to focus on your teeth.
Contact Ron Tosto in Statesboro, GA to schedule your regular dental visit!