This family dental care guide provides you with the information you need to maintain healthy teeth and gums all year round. Here are a few tips that will give you the best results for a lifetime of good oral health. Continue reading to gain some insight from these dental care tidbits.
PROPER BRUSHING AND FLOSSING HABITS
Maintaining proper brushing and flossing habits are given when it comes to having good oral health, but some people may want a refresher on the basics. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you are able to, also brush after meals. You should brush with fluoride toothpaste. You should floss between your teeth at least once a day to remove the food particles and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach. As an extra dose of protection, use mouthwash at least once a day to kill any lingering bad bacteria. Proper brushing and flossing techniques can prolong the health of your teeth and allow you to pay less in dentist visits and spend less time at appointments. You should still visit the dentist bi-annually, so the family dentist can remove any tartar (hardened plaque) and surface stains that may have developed and to detect any signs of decay if they arise.
FLUORIDE TREATMENTS
Fluoride is an excellent option to consider for a better defense against decay. Each day, the enamel (the protective surface) of your teeth is weakened by the acids in food and plaque. Enamel remineralizes itself, but sometimes, it cannot work fast enough, and the weakening that occurs produces cavities. Fluoride gets absorbed and helps the enamel repair and rebuild itself by providing the correct building blocks and minerals it needs. If a small amount of decay is already present, fluoride can even help reverse the decay process. Visit a family dentist to learn more about how to receive fluoride treatments and how helpful they are to your dental health, especially in children.
DENTAL SEALANTS
Dental sealants are primarily used in children but can be beneficial to adults as well if they are prone to cavity development. The sealants are a plastic-like coating painted onto the chewing surface, also known as the occlusal surface, of your teeth. Dental sealants are normally used on molars, as these are the teeth most vulnerable to decay because of the fissures on them that create tiny crevices in which bacteria grow. Dental sealants can be quickly and easily applied in a short visit to the family dentist. It is advised that children who are still developing good dental care habits to receive dental sealant, as well as anyone who just wants extra protection against decay.
These are a few of the most helpful and affordable areas of dental protection you can include in your dental care this year for the healthiest teeth. Also avoid sticky, sugary, and acidic substances, and try not to consistently snack, as this does not give your teeth time to cleanse themselves and remineralize between meals. If you eat or drink something damaging to your teeth, rinse your mouth out afterwards or brush your teeth if possible.
