You know you should brush your teeth twice a day; and your family dentist reminds you to floss. But there are many other things you can do to help you maintain excellent dental health.
Good Dental Habits to Keep
Develop a brushing regimen. Get in the habit of brushing your teeth first thing in the morning to help remove all the bacteria that has built up overnight. Using a soft bristle toothbrush, moderate pressure, and small circular motions brush the front, top, and back of several teeth before moving on to the next area. Include brushing your gingiva to help keep gum tissue healthy.
A fluoridated toothpaste is recommended. If you suffer from sensitivity, there are multiple products available to help combat and relieve discomfort.
Brush a minimum two minutes at least twice each day. Floss at least once daily to remove what your toothbrush missed. When you brush you only reach about two thirds of the surfaces of your teeth … flossing should cover the remainder.
Make sure to schedule and keep appointments with your family dentist for cleaning and dental exam. Being proactive with your dental care may help you save time, money, and inconvenience, with the added bonus of great oral health and a fabulous smile.
Dental Habits to Break
We only get one set of permanent teeth, and they are expected to serve us for a lifetime. Some of the things that might jeopardize good dental health include:
Tobacco Use – Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes all have the same thing in common … in addition to the risk to your overall health, users are much more likely to suffer from gum disease and possible tooth loss than non-users.
Chewing Hard Objects – Ice, hard candy, inanimate objects … all of these have the potential to damage teeth. Even biting into a popcorn kernel can result in a broken tooth.
Teeth Grinding – We all have stress, but that is not the only reason why you might develop a habit of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Often starting subconsciously during periods of sleep, you could be wearing away precious dental enamel without even knowing it.
Diet – Severely limit sugary foods and beverages (especially soda).
For more information or to schedule your next visit, call our team at Hulen Crossing Family Dental today.
