A renowned writer once said that every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond. Looking back, this became a famous quote because oral health care wasn’t as promising in the past as it is today.
True enough, the dental industry has come a long way, thanks to technological advancements. Nowadays, it’s easy to restore the pristine condition of your teeth no matter how severe the damage is. Nonetheless, it’s still vital that we don’t take proper oral hygiene lightly because prevention is definitely better than cure. With that said, here are several practicable oral health care tips you can use to prevent dental problems.
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Indeed, this is one of the essential oral hygiene practices, but many people still fail to commit to it properly. In agreement with the American Dental Association (ADA), you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. They also recommend using soft bristle toothbrushes on your teeth and tongue.
As much as possible, avoid using a toothbrush with stiff bristles when brushing your teeth. Many people believe that it only wears away the tooth enamel, but the truth is it can also damage sensitive gum tissues around your gum line.
2. Floss Your Teeth After Brushing Them
It’s an excellent idea to add flossing to your routine. Based on reports from oral healthcare experts, interdental cleaners like floss play a crucial role in caring for your teeth and gums and removing plaque.
In general, interdental cleaners help eliminate debris and plaque in areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. And though the use of such devices is supplementary, they are pretty helpful in preventing plaque buildup that can lead to gum diseases. Additionally, you have to understand the proper technique on how tools like these work so you can use them effectively.
3. Avoid Consuming Highly Acidic Food and Beverages
It’s common knowledge that one must not eat too much sugary food to prevent dental problems. But contrary to popular belief, sugar isn’t the only food that can damage your teeth. Food and beverages containing high levels of acid also threaten your smile as these can wear away the enamel that protects your teeth.
You must avoid acidic food and drinks: citric juices, soft drinks, wine, citrus fruits, berries, sour candies, tomatoes, yogurt, sour cream, and aged cheese. And in case you happen to eat or drink any of them, make sure to wait an hour before you brush your teeth. This allows your saliva to wash away acid and give time for your enamel to re-harden.
Conclusion
These oral health care tips are simple exercises you can easily incorporate into your daily habits. In general, dental hygiene practices are uncomplicated, making it easier for anyone to follow them. But even if you stay faithful to these tips, you should still make it a habit to pay your dentist a routine visit for optimum mouth and teeth care.
Are you looking for a capable dentist in Chattanooga? Shallowford Family Dental Group is an assemblage of skilled and accomplished dental experts with years of experience. If you need a family dentist in Chattanooga, visit our clinic and let us help you protect the smile of your loved ones.