How do you protect your teeth? There are tons of ways to keep your teeth strong and healthy. As early as now, you should partner with a Wisconsin dentist to ensure your teeth last a long time. Keep in mind that you only have one set of permanent teeth. When you lose them, you’ll have to rely on artificial teeth to restore your smile and maintain oral function. But let’s face it, nothing beats the real thing, right? Therefore, while your teeth are still in their best shape, you should strive to keep them that way. Luckily, maintaining an attractive smile is not that hard. The rules are pretty straightforward. The only challenge you’ll have to face is consistency.
Even if you do it for one consecutive week but fail to maintain it in the next couple of weeks, expect tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease to take over. Consistency in. your oral care routine and your bi-annual visits are the secrets to a healthy smile! Let’s break these two down further into three easy-to-follow steps.
Step #1: Brushing Basics
You will never be able to achieve strong teeth if you don’t develop the habit of brushing. Unfortunately, brushing your teeth is a bit tricky. Most people follow the wrong technique, and it’s because they aren’t aware that a proper brushing technique even exists.
During your next visit to your dentist, make sure to ask how it’s done. All too often, people brush their teeth aggressively and haphazardly, thinking that as long as they put a toothbrush and toothpaste in their mouths, they’re good to go. Well, this is the reason why millions of Americans suffer from tooth decay. It’s all because they are using the wrong toothbrush, wrong stroke, and wrong timing.
What’s the best thing to do, then? First of all, you should get yourself a toothbrush that has soft-bristled. A hard-bristled toothbrush can cause enamel erosion and gum recession. Next, brush using fluoride-based toothpaste that’s accepted by the ADA. The website has a list of toothpaste brands you can choose from. After that, angle your toothbrush at 45-degrees towards your gum line. Use gentle circular strokes.
Don’t brush your teeth too hard. Doing so is counterproductive and will only do more harm than good. Brushing should be done two times a day for two minutes. This is a habit that should be practiced daily because everyday plaque builds up on your teeth. The more plaque stays, the more susceptible you are to tooth decay.
Step #2: Flossing
Another routine that you need to practice every night before going to bed is flossing. Most people think that brushing is enough to keep their teeth healthy and strong. Unfortunately, your toothbrush can only do so much. Plaque and bacteria can still build up in between your teeth. If you don’t remove them through flossing, they’ll cause tooth decay. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper way to floss. If you do it wrong, you could hurt your gum tissues.
Step #3: Dental Visits
Your teeth are strong; your smile is beautiful, your gums are intact, everything looks great. Do you still need to see your dentist even if all is going well? The answer is yes. Your dentist isn’t trying to rip you off if that’s what you’re thinking. These visits are recommended so that your dentist can monitor your teeth and gums and identify signs of a problem before they become full-blown. Regular visits to the clinic also allow your dentist to perform routine teeth cleaning. This type of teeth cleaning is more thorough than the regular brushing and flossing you do at home. Your dentist uses special tools to reach areas that your toothbrush and floss can’t. Dental instruments used in routine teeth cleaning also help scrape away stubborn tartar on the surface of your teeth and along the gumline. When plaque calcifies and hardens, it will be impossible to remove them. Only your dentist can.
Step #4 Watch What You Eat
Did you know that your diet can affect your oral health? Dentists suggest you stay away from sugary and starchy foods as these promote plaque accumulation. Instead, if you’re craving, find healthier alternatives. If you can’t help yourself, just make sure you rinse your mouth with water and then brush 30 minutes after.
Takeaway
Once you can establish an oral care routine and diligently follow the instructions given by your dentist, you’ll enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for as long as possible. What are you waiting for? Start your oral care routine today!