Top 10 Dental Hygiene Tips
There are plenty of things that we can do at our cosmetic dentistry center to improve your overall dental health. Yet there are also many things that patients can do themselves or initiate themselves in order to ensure total dental wellness. Let's look at 10 surefire tips to having a smile that's healthy and looks great.
1. Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day
This is something that you've known as a child and it's always going to be important all through your life. Twice is the minimum, though you should really brush your teeth after every meal.
2. Floss Your Teeth at Least Once a Day
Flossing is just as important as brushing to clean those problem areas between the teeth. Like brushing, you should ideally brush your teeth after every meal.
3. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Checkups
It's important that you meet with your dentist twice a year for regular dental checkups. This will allow you to receive professional cleanings and to have minor problems fixed before they develop into more serious dental health issues.
4. Avoid Using Tobacco Products
Smoking and chewing tobacco are not just bad for your health, they can also tarnish your smile. This is just another compelling reason to quit.
5. Don't Chew Things You Shouldn't Chew
Biting your nails, chewing on pen caps, and generally biting things you shouldn't bite is a recipe for tooth damage. Rather than get porcelain crowns placed to fix damaged teeth, just put an end to this bad habit.
6. Be Wary of Foods and Beverages That Stain Teeth
There are many foods and beverages that can cause dental stains. If you want to have a smile that's bright and white, be wary of the following substances:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Soft drinks
- Curries
- Spaghetti sauce
- Carrots
- Berries
7. Buy the Right Kind of Toothbrush
You'd be surprised how much this matters for good general dental care. Patients should purchase a toothbrush with soft bristles so that there is no damage to the gumline and gum tissue. The head of the toothbrush should be small as well so that the hard-to-reach places can be easily accessed.
8. Drink Water to Stay Well Hydrated and Keep Teeth Clean
Keeping your mouth moist is important for remineralization of the teeth and overall dental health. Drink water to stay hydrated. Drinking water will also help remove food particles and plaque from your teeth.
9. Be Wary of Foods and Beverages That Cause Acid Erosion
Acid erosion is a separate dental problem from tooth decay and is related to an acidic pH within the mouth. These foods can cause acidic pH, so be wary:
- Citrus juice
- Vinegar
- Beer
- Coffee
- Soft drinks
10. Wear Mouth / Face Protection When Applicable
If you play contact sports or are involved in professions where blows and injuries to the mouth may occur, it's a good idea to wear a mouthguard or face protection in order to protect yourself from injury. These guards may mean the difference between a chipped tooth and one that's perfectly fine.
Learn More About All of Your Options for Advanced Dental Care
For more information about all of your options for advanced dental care treatment, be sure to contact our Doylestown, PA dental care center today. The entire team here looks forward to discussing all of your options for improved dental health and helping you achieve overall dental wellness.
