10 Preventative Dentistry Tips: Keep Your Smile Healthy at Home
Dr. James M. Stein in Boston is committed to patients and offers advanced restorative dentistry treatments to improve dental health and total wellness. While these treatments are excellent, the best treatment is often preventative care. With that in mind, we want to provide you with 10 tips for preventing dental problems. These are simple, easy, and will help you have a winning smile for years and years to come.
Tip #1 - Brush Your Teeth Regularly
This is so obvious, yet you'd be surprised how many people neglect to brush their teeth. Be sure to brush at least twice a day. Ideally, you'll want to brush your teeth after every meal to get rid of food particles and keep your mouth clean.
Tip #2 - Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
This is not as obvious but just as important. A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle and will result in less damage to your gum tissue and the gumline. This is ideal for better dental health in the long run, so be sure to go soft.
Tip #3 - Floss Your Teeth Regularly
We're back to being obvious, but flossing really is worth reminding people about. Flossing helps remove the problem food particles hiding between the teeth that brushing alone cannot remove. Floss at least once a night, but ideally after every meal.
Tip #4 - Do Not Use Tobacco Products
We all know that tobacco products are bad for your lungs and your blood pressure, but they can also affect your dental health, causing bad breath, gum disease, and even oral cancers. This is just another compelling reason to quit.
Tip #5 - Water Is the Ideal Beverage
Water is perfect for hydration. Not only will water help keep your mouth moist and assist in the fight against dry mouth, water will also remove food particles and help maintain a balanced and healthy oral pH.
Tip #6 - Use a Straw When Drinking Liquids
When you're drinking soda, fruit juices, and other beverages, consider using a straw. A straw allows the liquids to bypass the teeth, preventing acidic erosion of the enamel as well as tooth discoloration and staining.
Tip #7 - Don't Chew on Hard and/or Inedible Objects
While we recommend using a straw, we definitely do not recommend chewing on the straw. Chewing on ice cubes, pen caps, and your fingernails is also a no-no. Not only is this socially unacceptable, but it can lead to tooth damage.
Tip #8 - Wear Mouth Protection When Applicable
When playing sports or working industrial jobs, be sure to wear mouth protection and/or head protection to protect your teeth, gums, and tongue from injury. It's just a common sense and simple thing you can do to preserve your dental health.
Tip #9 - Avoid Snacking on Sugary Foods
The bacteria in your mouth loves starches and sugars, so the more you snack on sweets, the more the bacteria will love you. That's not a good thing at all. Consider cutting down on sweets as snacks and instead focus on healthier alternatives.
Tip #10 - Speak with Your Dentist ASAP If You Notice Any Problems
Dental problems can arise at any time, so be sure to speak with your dentist as soon as any emergencies or urgent concerns come up. Fixing problems sooner rather than later is always a good idea.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. James M. Stein
To schedule a visit at our practice and to learn about all of your options for advanced dental care, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Stein and his team look forward to helping you get a beautiful and healthy smile.