Nothing you wear is more important than a smile! This is a saying that we believe in its fullest. It shows happiness, confidence, and a fun attitude. But how you keep your smile looking good? Here are a few tips from on how to prevent dental problems.
What can I do to keep my teeth happy and healthy?
Brushing your teeth is very important. It helps to break up and wash away bacteria and germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time. Use a soft bristle toothbrush, and brush both your teeth and tongue. For added protection, use a toothpaste with fluoride.
Flossing should always be added to your daily routine. Flossing helps remove food and buildup between the teeth and along the gum line that brushing misses.
Be sure you brush your teeth every morning. Plaque builds up overnight causing bacteria that leads to bad breath. If you have a cup of coffee in the morning, wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth. Because of how acidic coffee is, it could cause a lot of damage to your teeth if you brush immediately after.
Should I avoid eating certain foods when eating?
Yes! certain foods you eat, whether or not you brush and floss daily, can break down the enamel, cause tooth decay, and other serious dental problems.
Sugary beverages like soda cause acid in your mouth that break down your teeth’s enamel. When the enamel begins to break down, your teeth are more prone to decay. It is best to avoid soda, even diet soda. Candy also isn’t the best choice if your goal is a healthy mouth. You don’t have to remove all candy from your diet, but if you want to treat yourself once in a while, choose your candy wisely. Avoid sticky and chewy candy like gummies, dried fruit, and suckers. These take a while to eat and stick to your teeth much longer, giving the acid and bacteria from the sugar more time to do its damage.
Can I Brush and Floss Too Much?
Of Course! I may sound weird, but you can actually overbrush your teeth. Brushing too many times a day or for longer than 4 minutes at a time, could begin to wear down the enamel of your teeth. This makes your teeth more prone to tooth decay and other problems.
Also you also want to avoid brushing too hard. You can damage the enamel of your teeth or your gums. If you damage your gums, the tissue around your teeth can become weak, allowing bacteria to get into your teeth.
So What should I do?
Taking good care of your teeth can help avoid future dental problems and even saves time at the dentist.
- Brush twice a day
- Floss after you brush
- Avoiding high sugar foods and beverages
These three things can help keep your teeth healthy and happy.
Questions or Concerns?
If you need to have a dental concern treated right away, call us now and schedule an appointment here at Northwest Family Dental. Thank you and have a good day!