Healthy teeth are vital for overall health and well-being. Healthy teeth help you eat well and relish your food, and put on a beautiful smile. You need to take care of your oral health to keep dental problems, such as decay, cavities and infection away. A proactive approach can help avert gum diseases, cavities, enamel wear, dental plaque accumulation etc. It is known as preventive dentistry.
If you ignore the teeth and do not take proper care of them, it can lead to dental plaque and tartar accumulation. The bacteria in plaque can damage the tooth enamel and slowly result in substantial decay, so prevention is better than cure. Here are the vital preventive dentistry habits you should practice to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy always:
#1. Avoid or Limit Intake of Foods High on Sugar
If you want to enjoy good dental health, choose your meals and snacks prudently. Food and drinks high in sugar and carbohydrates can cause severe damage to your teeth. They help feed the bacteria that cause plaque and thus lead to gum disease and tooth decay. When we eat foods with sugar content, they interact with the bacteria to release acids that attack the tooth’s enamel. When your tooth enamel breaks down or dissolves, it creates holes in the teeth and develops cavities. Hence, you should not have excess sugary foods and drinks, as it can cause cavities and destroy your teeth.
#2. Brush & Floss
Instilling good oral habits in your daily routine can help you keep your teeth for your lifetime. Practising good oral hygiene and dental care begins right at your home. Brush and floss at least twice a day after meals aids avert tooth decay and gum diseases. It helps remove accrued plaque that solidifies and becomes tartar in the advanced stages.
Proper brushing also helps induce the blood flow in your gums, which helps to keep them healthy and avert gum disease. Always buy a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it can stop cavities and makes teeth stronger. Brush and floss properly and cautiously.
#3. Use Mouth Guards to Reduce the Risk of Broken Teeth
Mouth guards are casing worn over teeth when playing sports or participating in outdoor activities. They help shield the teeth from damage and avert mouth injuries. You can purchase them at any sporting goods store. Apart from avoiding sports injuries, mouth guards also protect against teeth grinding or clenching while you’re asleep.
#4. Use a Mouthwash to Eliminate Loose Food Particles
Use mouthwash to rinse the gums, teeth and mouth after brushing and flossing. It contains tooth defending fluoride and antiseptic to eradicate harmful bacteria that can stay between your teeth and on your tongue. Mouthwash can help keep your teeth strong and fight cavities and bad breath. Keep in mind that mouthwash works when used correctly.
#5. Quit Smoking & Other Types of Tobacco Intake
Chewing tobacco and smoking is the main reason behind tooth discolouration and gum disease. It can lead to various oral health problems, including tooth discolouration, plaque accrual, tooth loss and oral cancer. Smoking fails your body’s infection fighters and makes you more vulnerable to infections. If you get gum disease, smoking can make it difficult for the body to fight off the infection. Thus, it is vital to remove the habit to stop gum disease and preserve healthy teeth.
#6. Six Monthly Visits to Your Dentist
A dental visit once every six months is vital for your regular teeth cleaning and inspection. A regular visit to your dentist and dental check-ups will ensure your teeth and gums remain as healthy as possible. Your dentist will be able to check for any cavities and plaque. Besides, your dentist will check for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, or other issues and evaluate the overall health of your teeth and gums. Furthermore, your dentist can eliminate any dental tartar and plaque that will not go with regular brushing and flossing at home.
Wrapping Up
Taking good care of your teeth, gums and mouth to keep them healthy will help prevent other dental problems and expensive dental treatments such as tooth extractions and dental restorations. Visit your dentist regularly and follow good oral health habits. Dental preventative care for your teeth can protect the tooth structure and your natural smile. Therefore, it is imperative to practice preventive dental habits to lower the risk of dental problems and gum diseases.
If you want dental assistance in Kings Langley, call us at Kings Family Dental Centre on 02 9674 3491 to book an appointment today.
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