Brush At Least Twice Daily & Floss At Least Once Daily
A key element in a healthy smile is to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. This is the most important way you can keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free at home. Brushing and flossing reduce oral bacteria, which contributes to cavities and gum disease.
Avoid Biting Ice Cubes
Ice cubes are very hard, and biting into them can damage your teeth, including chips and fractures. Instead, let ice cubes melt.
Avoid Opening Packages With Teeth
In the same way, that ice cubes can damage your teeth, opening packages can do the same thing. Teeth aren’t designed to take on plastic packaging, and this can lead to chips and fractures.
Wear a Night Guard for Clenching/ Grinding
Clench or grind your teeth at night? It is important to wear a night guard nightly. Clenching and grinding can lead to tooth wear and tooth damage over time, and a nightguard helps by acting as a cushion, protecting your teeth, mouth and jaw.
Wear a Sports Guard for Any Sports With Physical Contact
If you play any sports involving contact, such as soccer, hockey or basketball, it is essential to wear a sports guard to protect your teeth from injury. Injury can occur from another person or an inanimate object such as a ball and cause damage to your teeth, including chips, fractures, intrusion and even avulsion.
Reduce Consumption of Acidic/ Sugary Drinks
Acidic and sugary drinks can cause erosion to your teeth over time, as well as cavities. Soda, in particular, contains acids that can wear away the enamel and make your teeth sensitive. Try to reduce your consumption of acidic and sugary drinks.
Avoid Aggressive Tooth Brushing
Aggressive tooth brushing can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Tooth abrasion can occur from the constant wearing away of the enamel from the toothbrush, as well as gum recession. Make sure to use the correct brushing technique and not apply too much pressure with the toothbrush.
Never Use a Hard or Medium Bristled Toothbrush
Hard and medium bristled toothbrushes are too damaging to the teeth and gums to be recommended. Try to make sure you use either a super soft or soft manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
Don’t Forget to Brush Before Going To Bed
After you have finished eating and drinking for the day (water at night is fine), Brushing right before bed is essential to prevent oral bacteria from flourishing in the mouth overnight. Bacteria from foods and drinks throughout the day can cause cavities on your teeth overnight if not brushed off.
Don’t Forget Your Routine Check-ups and Cleanings
Lastly, it is essential to regularly see your dentist and dental hygienist for your routine check-ups and cleanings to make sure your teeth, gums, and mouth stay healthy.
If you have any questions about ways to help keep your mouth healthy, contact us today to schedule an appointment.