Have you ever thought about creating a dental health checklist? It just might be the missing piece to your oral health puzzle. Human teeth should last a lifetime yet such a feat is becoming increasingly rare thanks to the increased consumption of processed foods.
Foods rife with sugar, starch, acid and other substances that damage the teeth have become commonplace in stores. Tooth enamel is certainly hard yet it will eventually wear away unless you take good care of your teeth. It will help to have a dental health checklist to consult each day and night.
The best dental health checklists start out with a thorough brushing. In the context of oral health, there is nothing more important than brushing your teeth in a comprehensive manner at least two times each day. Each brushing session should last about two minutes.
However, brushing right after eating is a mistake as your enamel is especially vulnerable following the consumption of food or beverages. If you brush after eating certain foods that soften the teeth, you might damage your tooth enamel.
A surprising number of people do not floss. Dentists across the land will testify flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing should occur at least one time each day to remove bacteria and plaque.
If flossing does not occur, plaque and bacteria will accumulate between the teeth in those tight spaces the toothbrush can't reach. This will hasten tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and possible tooth loss.
Toothbrushes do not last as long as most assume. Most toothbrushes lose their ability to clean teeth in an effective manner after a couple months. If your toothbrush bristles are worn, replace your brush right away. Get a new brush with soft bristles every 100 days or so.
Add checking food and beverage labels for sugar and high fructose corn syrup to your dental health checklist. Take a look at the ingredients of the foods you commonly eat and you will likely find many contain sugar. Plenty of the beverages you enjoy might also contain an abundance of sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
Identify these unhealthy treats and reduce your intake of them to preserve the integrity of your teeth. It will also help to avoid foods and drinks that have a high level of starch and acid as both are direct threats to the integrity of your teeth.
No dental care routine is complete without a cleaning of the tongue and a rinsing with mouthwash. Be sure to clean your tongue from front to back with a toothbrush or tongue scraper every night.
This cleaning will freshen your breath and remove bacteria and food particles. Rinse with a mouthwash containing fluoride once per day to address all those hard-to-reach spaces the toothbrush and floss might not be able to clean.
Call (561) 225-2057 to schedule an appointment with Palm Beach Dentistry in our Delray Beach dental office.
Routine dental care is one of the most important factors contributing to good dental health. While going to the dentist twice a year is the standard rule of thumb, the frequency of the visits ultimately depends on the patient's needs and the recommendation of the dentist. Learn how often routine care should be scheduled and…
Prioritizing routine dental care is necessary for good health. Unfortunately, some people can find it difficult to care properly for their teeth by brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist on a regular basis. Patients who disregard dental hygiene and professional care need immediate action to prevent dangerous outcomes.In addition to an unsightly smile, failing to…
Many people may believe that they do not have time for routine dental care, which consists of daily brushing and flossing as well as periodic cleaning by a dentist. Admittedly, these tasks do take some time but should be a priority even in a busy schedule. People who do not take time for brushing, flossing,…
When patients go for routine dental care, they may or may not have X-rays taken of their mouths. Dentists use these important diagnostic tools to check all layers of the tooth. While a key part of routine care, X-ray imaging may not be taken every visit. Every patient is different, and the recommended frequency for…
Routine dental care is one of the most important factors contributing to good dental health. While going to the dentist twice a year is the standard rule of thumb, the frequency of the visits ultimately depends on the patient's needs and the recommendation of the dentist. Learn how often routine care should be scheduled and…
Prioritizing routine dental care is necessary for good health. Unfortunately, some people can find it difficult to care properly for their teeth by brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist on a regular basis. Patients who disregard dental hygiene and professional care need immediate action to prevent dangerous outcomes.In addition to an unsightly smile, failing to…