1. Brush Twice a Day
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Using a fluoride toothpaste, brush your teeth with the brush at a 45 degree angle in circular motions. Replace your toothbrush regularly: every 3 months or when the bristles start to fray, whichever comes first.
2. Don’t Forget to Floss
Floss your teeth once a day to remove any bacteria that’s caught between your teeth, preferably in the evening after dinner. Use around 18-20 inches of floss, and wrap the ends around your fingers. Make sure you get between all of your teeth, even the ones in the back. If regular flossing is difficult, consider investing in a water pick, which uses water to flush out debris.
3. Make Regular Dental Appointments
Brushing and flossing alone won’t guarantee a healthy smile. You should visit your dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar that can’t be removed on your own. Dental visits allow any problems to be detected and treated early, which can prevent problems from worsening in severity.
4. Eat a Tooth-Healthy Diet
Your diet contributes to so much of your overall health, including oral health. Eating foods that are high in calcium and protein can help keep your teeth strong. Options like yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, and almonds are delicious ways to keep your teeth looking their best.
5. Get Orthodontic Treatment, If Needed
Most people think orthodontic treatment just helps improves your teeth’s physical appearance. However, making sure that your teeth are properly aligned can prevent a whole host of other problems. Orthodontic treatment can prevent abnormal jaw growth, bite problems, tooth decay, and more.
6. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is bad for your health in general, but it has some specific negative effects on oral health. Cigarettes can cause your teeth to be stained yellow and can lead to chronic bad breath. If that’s not bad enough, continued use encourages plaque growth and can lead to oral cancer. Smoking is a common cause of gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
7. Skip Sticky Snacks
Foods that stick to your teeth become a breeding ground for tooth-decay causing bacteria. They can get caught in all the nooks and crannies of your teeth, making them hard to remove. Be sure to avoid snacks that are high in added sugar, since those are especially notorious for causing cavities.
8. Drink Right
When it comes to drinks, water is always the best option. Drinks like fruit juice, sports drinks, and soda contain added sugar that sticks to teeth and causes tooth decay. Even worse, soda contains a high acid content that can erode enamel and lead to sensitivity.
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Children’s Dentistry provides the highest quality pediatric dental care for children and their families throughout the Las Vegas area, Monday – Saturday. For more information about our full range of pediatric dental services or to schedule an appointment, contact our team at (702) 832-0508 or visit us at www.childrensedationdentist.com