30 Jun 7 Tips for Healthy Teeth
Maintaining healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have a naturally great smile, it’s important to ensure you’re taking care of your teeth properly. This involves regular checkups with us here at Hicks Dental Group in Prescott, as well as being mindful of your daily oral hygiene routine. Here are some of our tips for healthy teeth to keep your smile looking great for the rest of your life:
1. Always brush before bed.
We’re all aware that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. However, many of us continue to neglect to brush our teeth before bed. Brushing right before going to sleep gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
2. Brush before breakfast.
We recommend drinking a glass of water and then brushing your teeth first thing when you get up in the morning. Brushing before breakfast is best because it gets your saliva production going right away and it coats your enamel with a protective layer against the acid in your breakfast. Additionally, it is ideal to wait a minimum of 30 minutes after eating to brush, so you may not have enough time after breakfast.
3. Take care of your tongue.
Believe it or not, plaque can build up on your tongue. This can cause bad breath as well as oral health problems. Be sure to brush your tongue after brushing your teeth. Tongue scraping is even more effective at keeping your tongue clean.
4. Don’t toss the floss.
There has been some debate in the news in recent years about the need to floss. As dentists, we can tell the difference between patients who floss and those who don’t. There are many benefits to flossing that brushing alone cannot provide. Floss gets into hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and along the gumline that your toothbrush is unable to reach.
Don’t let difficulties stop you from performing this crucial step daily. Flossing can be hard, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Ready-to-use dental flossers can make flossing much easier.
5. Consider mouthwash.
Mouthwash reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and remineralizes the teeth. It is best used in addition to flossing and brushing, and should never replace those. Ask us for specific mouthwash recommendations at your next appointment. Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth. Prescription mouthwash is also available.
6. Drink more water.
Water is one of the best things for your overall health, including your oral health! It cleans your mouth, neutralizes the acid on your teeth, keeps your teeth whiter, moistens your mouth and boosts saliva production, and keeps your breath fresher. We recommend swishing with water after every meal or snack and drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day. It also boosts your mood and energy, and helps with weight management, so what are you waiting for? Drink up!
7. Munch on crunchy veggies.
Be sure to balance sugary, starchy treats with lots of vegetables. Leafy greens are an ideal choice because they contain calcium, which strengthens the tooth enamel. And crunchy, raw vegetables, like carrots, act as a natural toothbrush. They also help increase saliva production, which can reduce your risk of developing cavities.
Give us a Call
Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dedicated brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. In addition to following these tips for healthy teeth, you should see us at Hicks Dental Group in Prescott for cleanings and checkups at least twice a year. Not only can our qualified dentists remove calculus and look for cavities, but we can also spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions. We look forward to giving you a lifetime of beautiful, healthy teeth!
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