Last Updated on March 1, 2023
They say a smile is a curve that can set everything straight. The confidence to smile wide and freely comes from sparkling teeth, though. And therefore, it is crucial to take care of your teeth.
Not only do healthy teeth allow you to smile properly, but they are also essential for enjoying delicious foods that are available out there. Visiting the dentist regularly, brushing twice a day, and flossing at least once are just some of the ways to protect your teeth.
According to data made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1 in 4 adults in the US carry dental cavities that need treatment. Similarly, 46% of adults show signs of gum disease, while 13% of youth have untreated tooth decay. In Florida, 24% of children between the ages of 3 and 6, while 25% of third-grade children have untreated tooth decay. Fortunately, 65.7% of adults visited a dental clinic over the year in Florida.
Visiting a dentist is an important step in tooth care. Here are other steps you should take for tooth health:
1. Consult a dental health professional regularly
The first step in sustainable and effective dental care is to visit a dentist regularly. Not only can these professionals advise you regarding the perfect way to clean and safeguard your teeth, but they are also able to pinpoint any potential problems at an early stage. For instance, if you or your child has crooked teeth, look up a Tampa braces dentist to rectify the issue. Tampa, Florida, has a healthy concentration of dentists, which is beneficial for you to visit your nearest professional with ease.
Experts recommend that people with good overall dental health need to visit a dentist at least twice every year. However, this rate can vary depending on individual oral health. The dentist is the most appropriate person to advise regarding the best duration that you can keep between visits. There are numerous advantages of these visits ranging from getting general information like the ideal toothbrush type, brushing regimen, and flossing technique to more advanced information about any possible serious disease that may be budding in your teeth.
2. Focus on learning and then cleaning your teeth as well as gums
Although many believe cleaning teeth is a simple process, it is not. Effective brushing follows a proper technique that ensures the removal of food particles from hard-to-reach areas. Dentists also recommend that you brush your tongue for the best possible results. Similarly, there is a proper way to floss as well. There is an abundance of resources available online to learn these ways, but the most appropriate way is to consult your dentist about them.
Brushing twice a day and flossing once is essential to maintain the health of your oral cavity. It takes the utmost care to ensure no food remains stuck in the gap between teeth. These remnants from your meals give bacteria the nutrition they need to cause cavities. It is as they; better to play safe than sorry. Ensure that you follow proper instructions from professionals to clean your oral cavity, as this is the most effective way to maintain good teeth and a fresh smile.
3. Avoid cavity-causing foods and drinks
Many foods can cause dental cavities. Most of these culprits are sweet products like candies, cakes, biscuits, chocolates, and jams. Fizzy drinks, which are loaded with sugar, are amongst the biggest sources of tooth decay. This is besides other health hazards that these liquids pose. It is best to avoid carbonated beverages if you want to preserve your oral cavity’s health. Surely, a few sips never hurt, but that is only the case when you limit consumption accordingly.
Other damaging foods include sticky and chewy candies. Flavored yogurt, milk, sugary cereal bars, syrups, and sauces can also lead to oral cavities. Once again, it is important to stress that consuming these foods in a limited quantity and properly cleaning your teeth afterward will not hurt. However, continuously eating these foods can lead to numerous problems. Also, for people who love shiny white teeth, it is best to avoid staining foods like coffee, tea, alcohol, and smoking. Here is a detailed list of foods that are damaging to your oral cavity.
4. Learn about potential dental health issues
Tooth decay resulting from cavities is one of the most common oral health issues among people. However, the problems can vary from person to person. This is why you need to be aware of signs and symptoms leading to serious oral health issues. For example, tooth decay is the erosion of the outer layer coating your teeth, commonly known as enamel. It is caused by plaque, which is an acid-producing bacteria found on your teeth.
There are other more serious issues like gingivitis and even oral cancer that plague human oral health. These issues are another reason why visiting a dentist regularly is essential. If any signs of oral disease emerge in your mouth, the dentist can easily point it out. This will help you nip the problem in the bud before it can grow to become a nuisance to your health. And trust us when we say that toothache is not something that you would want to go through.
5. Teach your children about dental care from an early age
Oral health is a topic where attention needs to be paid from an early age. This is why parents should focus on educating their children about brushing and oral health from the time when their teeth start to emerge. Teach them proper brushing techniques and visit the periodontal professional near you for a regular assessment. When you play your part right, you can ensure your kid grows up to have a healthy and beautiful smile for a long time.
Conclusion
Taking care of your teeth is important because they are essential to your body and personality. And it’s not just about brushing regularly, but also visiting the dentist regularly. It is also important to take your children along because a family with healthy teeth smiles together. Ensure you use the right toothbrush, clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily, and remain aware of possible oral issues. Collectively, these tips make a strong foundation for healthy teeth.
