Did you know that approximately 75% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease? And a lot more have other dental issues like tooth decay and cavities. Do you wonder how to prevent them or reduce their risk? Here are our tips:
- Regular Dental Checkups and Dental Cleanings
While many people brush and floss their teeth regularly, it is all the more important to schedule regular dental checkups. During these visits, your teeth will be checked for issues, including gum inflammation, tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, bad breath, oral cancer, etc. When identified in the initial stages, these issues are easy to treat.
Cleaning your teeth at home is crucial to maintaining good oral health. However, regular dental cleanings are necessary for keeping your teeth healthy and free of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. During your dental checkup, your dental team will perform thorough teeth cleaning, removing any plaque buildup and tartar that may have accumulated. They may also recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth.
- Healthy Diet
Your diet affects your oral health in more ways than you think. Certain types of foods are better for your teeth than others. For example, crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots help clean debris and bacteria off of your teeth. In addition, dairy products like plain yogurt and milk help build strong teeth and bones. On the other hand, sugary and acidic foods are bad for your oral health.
- Quit Smoking
Smoking and tobacco use, in general, are serious threats to your oral health. They cause bad breath, stained teeth, and an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer. Tobacco use can also cause a condition called dry mouth, which causes bad breath and increases the risk of cavities.
- Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily should be part of your oral health routine. While brushing your teeth can remove the plaque that contributes to cavities and gum disease, flossing is necessary to reach the areas your toothbrush can’t. This can help remove plaque from between your teeth, where it can cause cavities or gum disease.
When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. The toothpaste you choose should contain fluoride, which helps protect your teeth against decay.
When flossing, use about a foot of floss wrapped around each middle finger. Gently slide the floss between each tooth and along the gum line. Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably at night.
- Avoid Mouth Injuries
Avoid biting or chewing on hard items. This includes ice, popcorn kernels, hard candies, and pencils. Using your teeth as tools to open packages, pull apart nails, or rip the tape off a box is also a bad idea. Using your teeth as tools can damage your teeth, especially enamel. Enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it can crack or chip. Any sharp injury can damage the soft tissue inside your mouth, too.
Please contact our Dublin, CA dental office today to learn more tips to protect your oral health. The dentist will help in creating a treatment plan which can meet your unique needs. Please contact us today online or by calling 925-833-9500.