Going to regular cleaning checkups twice a year at the family dentist is only a fraction of what patients can do to maintain a healthy smile and mouth. There are many more steps patients can complete at home to prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis, among other oral complications. Never hesitate to ask a dentist about extra steps that can be taken outside each dental appointment.
Some tips may seem obvious, but many people skimp on or completely skip basic oral hygiene practices that can be the difference between a good bill of health at each checkup or finding out a cavity needs to be filled. Here are the top three tips from a family dentist to keep patients out of the dental chair longer.
Brushing teeth regularly is incredibly important to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to bacterial infections and gum disease. Everyone should brush at least twice a day, but the impact of brushing depends on how long and thoroughly each patient does it. To properly remove plaque, each brushing should last two minutes; any less may not eliminate the sticky substance. Patients should also brush using certain techniques that allow bristles to access every crevice and clean off the gums. Flossing is just as important, as it cleans the surface of a tooth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Ask a dentist to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Fluoride is essential in keeping tooth enamel healthy and strong. Enamel is the hard outermost layer of the tooth that protects the inside from invasive bacteria. Fluoride maintains the minerals within enamel that strengthen it, so it is important to use toothpastes that contain fluoride. Patients should also consider where their drinking water comes from. Most tap water contains fluoride as well, but bottled water does not. Switching from bottled to tap water can save teeth and plastic.
What patients eat can affect the health of teeth immensely. While candy and sugary foods are often pinned as the culprits for causing cavities, there are many other foods that can begin to wear away at teeth. Starch can negatively oral health as well. Carbohydrates such as rice, bread, noodles, and potatoes can sustain the bacteria naturally found in the mouth, which are the true causes of cavities. Patients should take into account what they eat and limit how many sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods they consume. Minimizing and regulating a diet this way can keep teeth healthy and put a smile on any dentist’s face during a checkup.
These are only a small handful of the tips and tricks that can maintain a great smile. Consider talking to the family dentist next time about more ideas that are easy to establish as a part of an everyday routine.
Request an appointment here: https://precisionsmiles.net or call Precision Smiles. at (201) 204-1355 for an appointment in our Hackensack office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Getting a root canal treatment can help bring back your oral health. Pain is not a normal sensation while chewing. The tooth causing you pain must receive treatment right away. If you want to know how a root canal treatment can help you with your dental problem, here are the details.Chewing should be painless. Pain…
Most people find root canal treatment frightening. This procedure has a bad reputation for being painful and unpleasant. But your dentist has the skills and instruments necessary to handle the process efficiently and with minimal pain. There is a possibility that a patient may have numerous teeth that require extensive treatment. The dentist can assess…
Root canal treatment may seem intimidating at first, but the more prepared you are the less likely you are to experience anxiety. Continue reading to learn how to prepare for this procedure. The following review discusses three tips you can use to prepare properly ahead of your scheduled root canal treatment.You can prepare for a…
A dental crown is a restoration option designed to cover a weak or damaged tooth, restoring its function and appearance. The crown protects the tooth from further damage and prevents the need for extraction. Different types of dental crowns are available, each custom-made to fit over the tooth and blend in with the rest of…
