River Walk Dental Orthodontics
Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums
Tooth decay is a problematic and painful situation that ultimately lands you up in trouble. If you are someone who is suffering from tooth decay, you will be at an increased risk of experiencing gum disease and other complex dental issues. So, if you are taking your oral health for granted, trust me, you are committing the biggest mistake. To help you take control of your oral health, here are top 10 important things you can do to prevent cavities.
Keep yourself hydrated
Water is the most essential component for the health of your body and teeth. The Fluoride quantity in water is very important to build strong teeth. There are other useful minerals found that flushes away the bacteria and keeps your mouth hydrated.
Brush regularly
Brushing is an ideal way to get rid of cavities. Brushing after the meal and before bed keeps bacteria and plaque away. If you skip brushing before going to the bed, it will result in bacteria lingering on your teeth overnight and allowing enamel-damaging acid to form. Similarly, using an antibacterial mouthwash also cleans away the bacteria from your mouth, thereby leading to a fresh breath.
Stop taking cavity-causing sugar
Sweeteners, candy, tinned fruits, alcohol and fruit juices contain large quantity of sugar that is not only bad for your health but also teeth. Try and limit the use of refined sugar you use in your diet and make sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Get a dental sealant
Sealants are recommended for all school-aged children but can be used by adults too. They are protective, plastic coating that seals off the crannies of teeth where food and bacteria get accumulated. Dental sealants are placed at the back of chewing surface of teeth. They last up to 10 years before getting replaced.
Quit smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your health but also teeth and gums. It stains your teeth and is bad for teeth and gums. Patients have also experienced gum decay, disease, infection, and tooth loss in the latter stages. Your gums are also at risk as smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the blood.
Floss daily
Flossing removes the food debris between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. If food debris is not removed, the bacteria will start feeding on it and results in bad breath.
Stick to tooth-friendly foods
Diet is crucial not only for a healthy body but also for a healthy smile. Foods that stuck in between your teeth for longer time period promotes tooth decay. Processed sugary foods should also be avoided. Instead, go for fresh fruits and vegetables as they help to increase saliva flow and remineralize tooth enamel.
Go for cavity-fighting toothpaste
With so many types of toothpaste available in the market, it becomes difficult to spot the best one. You need to make sure that you use a fluoride-based toothpaste as it is best for your oral care. Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. For patients with weak teeth, a high fluoride toothpaste is generally recommended.
Following a preventative plan is the first step towards maintaining a healthy smile. With the help of these tips, you will easily be able to maintain the health of your teeth in the long run. For any additional tips, you can get in touch with our Dentist San Antonio Texas who are here to offer the best recommendation.
Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.