You know that practicing good oral hygiene can keep cavities at bay, but you may not know exactly what good oral hygiene is. Here’s how to take care of your teeth so you can continue to have a gorgeous smile. You can also check with your Bell, CA 90210 dentist about hygiene practices that will be specifically helpful for you.
Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste after a meal.
You should brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily: once in the morning and once before bed, once you’re done snacking for the night. It’s also a good idea to brush your teeth after meal or every time you eat something. Use a toothpaste that has fluoride in it. It’s also beneficial to floss after eating, especially if you ate something that’s sticky between your teeth. You may also want to brush your teeth after drinking something sugary. When you’re not able to brush, rinsing your mouth with water is better than nothing. For kids, it’s okay to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, but check with your Bell, CA 90210 dentist about how much toothpaste to use so they don’t have too much of the fluoride.
Use the right mouth wash.
For people who are likely to get cavities, using a mouth rinse is recommended. Check with your Bell, CA 90210 doctor about the right type of mouth wash to use. You may be told to use a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
Use a dental sealant.
Dental sealants provide protection against food that would otherwise get trapped in your mouth. The protective plastic goes on the back of your teeth, the surface that makes the most contact with food when chewing. The coating keeps the enamel of your teeth protected from things like acid and plaque. Both kids and adults can use sealants. The best part is that sealants can last for ten years before you need to have them replaced. However, you’ll have to have them checked on a regular basis to make sure they’re still functioning correctly.
Don’t be afraid of tap water.
Even if you prefer bottled water, try to drink tap water from time to time. Most tap water also contains fluoride, which is great for your teeth. You can ward off tooth decay if you have enough fluoride. If you’re not able to get enough fluoride even when you drink tap water, you may want to speak with your dentist about fluoride treatments.
Don’t eat too frequently.
It’s a good idea to limit how often you eat in order to protect your teeth. Whenever you have something that’s not water, your mouth will create acid that can end up wrecking the enamel. The more you eat or drink, the more acid there will be.
When you do eat, pick tooth-friendly foods.
Some foods are especially good for the health of your teeth and others should be avoided in order to protect your smile. Try to stay away from foods that can get stuck in your teeth, like candy or cookies. When you do eat these foods, make sure to brush afterwards. Fruits and veggies are particularly good for tooth health because they help your mouth create saliva. The beverages that are best for your teeth include coffee and tea, so long as you don’t add sugar. Sugar-free gum can also help to dislodge and clear away particles of food.
Talk to your dentist about antibacterial treatments.
Some people are more prone to tooth decay than others. Some medical conditions can cause tooth decay, for example. In this case, you may want to consider having antibacterial treatments or mouth washes to get rid of bacteria in your mouth.
Make regular dentist appointments.
You should make an appointment for a check up and teeth cleaning every six months. Having regular exams makes it possible for your dentist to catch a problem early and prevent it from getting worse. Check with your dentist about the frequency of your appointments. Depending on your specific needs, he may suggest more frequent visits, at least to start with.
If you’re in need of a dental consultation, contact the most trusted dentist in Bell, CA Gage Dental Care.