Step 1: Brush Your Teeth
This might sound like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised by how few people practice this regularly enough. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste to keep your smile fresh and protect you from cavities and gum disease.
To avoid excess bacteria build-up on your toothbrush, you’ll want to replace it three to four times a year. This will ensure that the bristles on the toothbrush remain unfrayed and capable of removing plaque.
An important step that often gets overlooked is brushing your tongue. This will protect your smile from harmful bacteria and help eliminate bad breath. It doesn’t matter if you use a toothbrush or a tongue scraper, just so long as you incorporate this into your routine.
Step 2: Floss
Your toothbrush can’t reach all of the nooks and crannies of your teeth. That’s why it’s important to floss every day, especially if you’ve eaten anything that might get stuck like lettuce or meat. Those with braces should be particularly disciplined when it comes to this step because of how easily braces can trap food.
It’s essential that you floss the right way to get the most out of the exercise. If you’re not sure about the most effective method, you can always ask your dentist at your next appointment or watch a video tutorial.
Step 3: Mouthwash
Mouthwash can get what brushing and flossing miss. A lot of bacteria can remain after you brush, especially on your tongue and in between your teeth. It’s important to rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash that fights plaque, tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Many dentists discourage the use of alcohol-based mouthwashes. Fortunately, there are several peroxide-based mouthwashes available.
Step 4: Stay Healthy
Oral health is closely tied to your body’s overall health. If you want strong, healthy gums and teeth, maintaining a balanced diet and getting regular exercise are as important as brushing and flossing. A diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals will keep your smile strong and bolster your immune system to help ward off dental infection.
Foods that are high in carbohydrates make you more susceptible to cavities. Sugary drinks and sodas are especially damaging to your teeth’s enamel and often lead to cavities. Be sure to moderate your intake so your oral health doesn’t suffer.
Step 5: Preventative Dentistry
Make it a priority to visit Dr. Foust at Smile Dental Center for regular checkups. Our dental hygienists are trained to clean your teeth in a way that keeps them healthy and prevents damage or complications further down the road.
What’s more, dentists can detect issues like cavities early while they’re still easily treatable.
Cavities, gingivitis, enamel loss, and periodontitis are all preventable. We also provide dental sealants and topical fluoride treatments that are useful for preventing tooth decay.
Beautiful Smiles in Gibsonia, PA
Dr. Jarrett Foust and the Smile Dental Center Team provide exceptional preventative dental care to our patients. Don’t wait until your cavity or gingivitis becomes severe — call (724-502-4221) and schedule your next checkup today.