Routine dental care is the most effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your teeth are the strongest part of your body, even stronger than your thickest bones. However, they also deal with more things that can damage them than any other part of the body.
A person's teeth are constantly being attacked by acids in the foods they consume, acids made by oral bacteria, trauma from accidents and sports and the pressure created whenever a person bites down.
With teeth constantly being exposed to things that can damage them, routine dental care is essential to give them a fighting chance. Here are five simple things that should be part of everyone's oral care routine:
Brushing removes leftover food particles, plaque and oral bacteria. It should be done at least two times each day, with one of those times being right before going to bed. Dentists recommend spending at least two minutes during each brushing session. The tongue and gums should also be cleaned every time a person brushes. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride provides even more protection.
Try flossing at least once each day. Flossing removes food particles, bacteria and plaque from areas in the mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach. These places are often a haven for plaque and bacteria since they are left there undisturbed if the person does not floss.
While it is not absolutely necessary that mouthwash be part of a person's oral hygiene routine, it does provide an extra layer of protection. Mouthwash helps to clean the tightest nooks and crannies in a person's mouth that even floss cannot reach. It also helps to reduce the bacteria population in the mouth and freshen a person's breath.
There are also mouthwashes that contain fluoride. These help to re-mineralize teeth and keep them decay-free.
The things a person consumes also affect the condition of their teeth. Sugar is the worst thing a person can expose their teeth to, and it is responsible for many cases of tooth decay. It is one of the reasons why tooth decay is now one of the most common dental issues dentists deal with since it is added to many foods.
It is best to minimize sugary foods as well as foods that are very acidic in nature. Substitute sugary drinks with water for healthier teeth.
Some examples of sugary drinks are acidic drinks such as Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Powerade and Red Bull.
Patients should visit a dentist at least twice each year. They get a dental cleaning (which removes tartar) and the dentist evaluates their oral health. Preventative treatments like fluoride treatments are performed during these visits if they are deemed necessary.
Routine dental care will keep your teeth looking their very best and prevent serious dental issues. Have you seen a dentist recently? Schedule a checkup with our Stuart office today.
Request an appointment here: https://drdelucia.com or call Anthony DeLucia D.D.S., P.A. at (772) 492-7045 for an appointment in our Stuart office.
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