Preventative Dentistry Tips
Your teeth are going to be with you for the rest of your life, so it’s worthwhile to keep them as healthy as possible. Without proper maintenance, you could potentially face years of painful and expensive restorative dentistry or cosmetic dentistry treatments. Fortunately, Fountain Valley patients can enhance their chances of maintaining their beautiful smiles for years to come by practicing good oral hygiene.
Preventative Dentistry Tips
To achieve and maintain your most beautiful and healthy smile possible, adhere to the following oral health tips:
- Brush twice a day: One of the most important things you can do for your teeth is remembering to brush at least twice a day. If you often consume sugary or acidic foods or drinks, brush a third time or rinse your moth out with water. Brush for two to three minutes each time using a soft toothbrush with a small head and a wide handle.
- Brush effectively: While there isn’t really a right or wrong way to brush, there is a way to maximize the effectiveness of your brushing. Hold your brush so that the bristles are at a 45-degree angle to your gum line. Brush up and down, working your way across all the surfaces of your teeth. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth as well, as these areas are prone to harbor bacteria if left unattended.
- Use fluoride: Fluoride is helpful in preventing tooth decay and helps to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Look for this ingredient when you purchase toothpaste. Also look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance to ensure that your toothpaste is up to dental standards.
- Floss daily: In addition to brushing, flossing will also help prevent plaque buildup, since floss reaches deep into the spaces between each of your teeth. Floss your teeth every night before bed. Take about 18 inches of the dental floss and wrap the ends around the middle finger of each hand. Holding tightly, gently push it in between your teeth. As you run the floss through your teeth, pull on the ends so the string wraps around each tooth, until you feel slight pressure against the tooth. Gently scrape any plaque off your gum line.
- Pay attention to your gums: Call your dentist if you discover that your gums are swollen or red, or if your gums bleed or feel sore when you brush or floss. Also, contact your family dentist if you notice your gums pulling away from your teeth.
- Visit your dentist twice a year: Regular checkups with your dentist can help prevent gum disease. Be sure to visit your dentist every six months so that he or she can give you a thorough exam, a routine teeth cleaning, and any additional treatments you may need. If your dentist discovers a problem, a routine checkup allows them to be found in the early stages; this means that dental problems can be dealt with quickly and easily.
Learn More about Preventative Dentistry
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important for maintaining a beautiful smile. Taking preventative measures is the best thing you can do for your current and future oral health. If you are interested in learning more about preventative dentistry, contact Andrew G. Mortensen, D.D.S, Inc., for more helpful information.
