The care of your teeth and mouth should be a part of your general routine throughout your life. Preserving your natural teeth and practicing healthy habits is a goal worth pursuing.
Heightened awareness of the care of both your teeth and the rest of your mouth should be a part of your general routine throughout your life. It is therefore vitally important to develop and maintain beneficial dental habits to ensure the longevity of your teeth. Here are some tips to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth and prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in the earth. It helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the permanent teeth as they develop. It also fortifies teeth externally by remineralizing the tooth enamel.
Much of the progress that has been made in reducing tooth cavities in children can be attributed to the use of fluoride. Fluoride can be obtained by swallowing small amounts, which is absorbed into the body, or by direct application to the teeth. Kids cavity rates for example are now at an unprecedented low level because of the introduction of fluoride into city drinking water.
Another source of fluoride is a topical gel that can be applied in the dental office or at home. Dentists can also prescribe fluoride tablets or drops. Fluoride toothpaste is available over-the-counter with only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste generally required. Fluoride mouth rinses are also available. However, children who have not learned to spit out instead of swallowing should not use rinses. As fare as Hamilton and the water in Butler County, the water supply is fluorinated, therefore supplemental fluoride is generally not needed except for the fluoride in toothpaste and applied in the dental office.
Your teeth are extremely sensitive to sticky, sugary products. This is especially detrimental when these foods are eaten in-between meals as a snack. Food particles gather on your teeth and combine with bacteria to form the gummy substance dentists refer to as plaque. Over a period of time plaque hardens and the acids produced attack your teeth, destroy the enamel, and creates cavities. At first, there is little or no pain but the cavities are growing silently. It is therefore important to eat a well-balanced diet and choose snacks wisely. Resist the temptation to eat candy, cookies etc. Instead choose veggie sticks, crackers, and nuts.
Sodas are also harmful to your teeth. They are extremely abrasive and should not be consumed in-between meals. Drink pure water instead. Eat nothing and drink only water after your last meal of the day. Young children should never be put to bed with a bottle of syrupy drink, juice, or milk, as this will coat the teeth with sugar while the child sleeps.
Make brushing fun instead of a chore. Experiment with different flavors of toothpaste, different styles of toothbrush designs, etc. This is especially important for young children.
Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Always use a soft toothbrush for thorough but gentle cleansing. Apply a small amount of toothpaste and always try to start in the same area each time you brush. This will help you establish a routine and avoid missing areas.
You should also clean the tongue with a soft brush. After brushing, rinse your mouth and the toothbrush should be thoroughly cleaned by running under tap water. Remember going through the brushing motions is what effectively removes plaque build-up.
Flossing removes plaque and food particles that are lodged between the teeth and under the gum line. Floss is available in many varieties, i.e. flavored, unflavored, waxed, unwaxed, and taped or one-handed floss aids. For more information about how to floss properly, ask one of our dental hygienists.
Dental sealants are plastic, professionally applied material that is placed in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay. Sealants provide a physical barrier to prevent cavity-producing bacteria from eroding the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth. Dentists usually recommend sealants when the first permanent molars appear in childhood. Adults can also benefit from sealants if they are at a high risk of tooth decay. Consult your dentist for advice.
You should schedule two yearly visits to your dentist. Some people might need more than two visits depending on their oral disease risk, age, or other factors. A complete dental exam includes a visual inspection of the gums, cheeks, tongue, roof of mouth, lips, teeth and joint (TMJ). The face, head, neck and lymph nodes are also inspected for any sign of gland enlargement or any other abnormalities. X-rays may also be recommended to determine the presence of disease that cannot be seen with a visual examination.
Developing and maintaining healthy dental habits combined with regular visits to the dentist will help to ensure that your natural teeth last as long as you live.