As a family dentist office, our goal is for you to have lifelong oral health. As such, we focus on patient education by showing you how to practice good oral hygiene at home, eat a mouth healthy diet, and prevent cavities and infections. We also suggest that you visit our office for a teeth cleaning twice a year so that we can remove the plaque that has built up in hard-to-reach places and prevent gum disease and common cavities from forming.
Here are some of the tips we suggest on a regular basis:
Buy a new toothbrush. It is all-too-common for people to use the same toothbrush for six months to a year. This is not healthy and can spread bacteria. If your toothbrush is older than three months, it is time to buy a new one. Before that time, check to see if your toothbrush has a foul odor or frayed bristles. If it has either, you should replace it immediately.
Brush with fluoride. As a family dentist, we recommend using a fluoride toothpaste because fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen your teeth and decrease your risk of getting cavities. Using this type of toothpaste does not take any additional time, but it can make your teeth healthier.
Floss daily. If you are one of the many people that does not like to floss their teeth, buy a flossing tool. Flossing is the most important thing you can do to prevent gum disease, so be sure to add it to your routine.
Drink more water. As a family dentist, we know that dry mouth can contribute to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. This condition means that you are not producing enough saliva to naturally wash away food particles and bacteria. Dry mouth can impact anyone, but people taking antibiotics and the elderly are at an increased risk. By drinking more water, you can help to prevent this condition and keep your mouth moist. As an added benefit, this will also improve your breath and your health overall.
Avoid acidic food. Most people are unaware of the danger of enamel erosion. There is a limited amount of enamel on the surface of your teeth. This enamel is very important because it protects the porous and sensitive dentin underneath. If your enamel wears away, you can experience sensitivity when eating, drinking, and even breathing. When you eat or drink anything acidic, you increase your risk of erosion, so avoid lemons, limes, soda, and sour candy, and brush your teeth afterward if you have them.
Check for oral cancer. When you visit our family dentist office, ask about oral cancer. This disease is not spoken about very frequently, but it is so common that one person dies of it every hour of every day in the United States. Early detection is key for treating and beating the disease. As your family dentist, we can be your first line of defense by noticing anything abnormal during your dental exam.
To stay in excellent health, remember to schedule a dental examination and teeth cleaning twice a year.
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