A strong tooth is a healthy tooth and maintaining this health is important if you want to avoid tooth decay, gum disease and cavities. Fortunately taking care of your teeth is easy if you just follow the few basic guidelines listed below.
Always Floss
Flossing is just as important as brushing because it is the only way to remove debris left in small gaps between or behind the teeth. You should floss once a day with whatever kind of floss or tape you find best, and make sure that you are doing so effectively. If you’re unsure of what technique to use, then ask your Ipswich family dentist for advice at your next appointment.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, and it can also play a big part in your oral hygiene. Water helps wash away food debris and bacteria left behind after eating and helps to neutralise any acidity in the mouth, which can cause decay.
Don’t Smoke
Not only does smoking cause discolouration of your teeth and bad breath, it also reduces blood flow to the mouth, which increases your chances of developing gum disease and oral cancers. That’s one more reason to kick the habit.
Use the Right Products
You know you need to brush your teeth twice a day, but are you sure you’re using the right toothbrush and toothpaste? Take care when choosing your oral products as they can make a big difference to the health of your teeth. Check with your Brisbane dentist to determine if you need a toothpaste with added fluoride or xylitol. Also, make sure the hardness of brush isn’t causing any damage to your teeth or gums.
Get Regular Checkups
We recommend that most people visit their dentist every 6 months to monitor their oral health and prevent damage or disease. Your dentist can professionally clean your teeth to give you an extra boost. They can also recommend any appropriate oral care routine for your needs.
Watch What You Eat
Nutrition is just as important for your teeth as it is for your body as a whole. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh veggies, dairy and protein will give your teeth the nutrients and vitamins they need to stay strong and healthy. It is also best to avoid regularly eating very sugary or acidic foods as these can cause a build-up of plaque, which ultimately causes tooth decay.
Avoid Grinding
Sometimes you may find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth in times of stress. This can be harmful to your teeth and damage dental crowns or fillings. This tooth-on-tooth contact causes a wearing of tissue called attrition, which can result in severe sensitivity. If you know that you grind in your sleep, your dentist can make you a bespoke mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage.
Chew Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal increases saliva flow, which helps the mouth to fight bacteria and reduce any acidity caused by food and drink. As well as this, it freshens your breath so chewing gum is a win-win situation!
If you’d like to arrange a dental appointment then call Ipswich Family Dental now on 07 3201 6767 (Brassall) or 07 3281 1781 (Ipswich) or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.
