Did you know that around 46% of American adults over 30 show signs of gum disease? Gum disease is a problem that can lead to tooth loss, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease if left untreated.
Gum disease is only one of many dental issues you could face if you don’t care for your teeth. Not caring for your teeth can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, expensive dental bills, and lack of confidence.
Are you looking for dental care tips to keep your teeth healthy between dental appointments? If so, keep reading to learn how to maintain good oral health.
1. Brush Your Teeth
One of the most important things you need to do between dental services is brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth is essential to removing plaque and bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
You should brush your teeth at least twice per day and use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, and brush each tooth in a small, circular motion.
2. Floss Every Day
In addition to brushing, you also should floss your teeth every day. Brushing your teeth removes plaque from the tooth surface, and flossing gets the hard-to-reach areas between teeth.
Many people avoid flossing every day because they find it more difficult than brushing their teeth. To make flossing easier, use a dental pick, water pick, or pre-threaded floss.
3. Drink Water
Another one of the best ways to take care of your teeth is to drink more water. When you drink water throughout the day, you wash away some of the plaque and bacteria on your teeth.
Drinking water can also make you less thirsty for other drinks, such as soda and juice. The sugar and acid in soda can harm the enamel on your teeth, making it easier to get cavities.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Did you know that the foods you eat affect your teeth? If you eat foods with high sugar content, your teeth are more likely to deteriorate over time. Avoid eating candy and baked goods as much as possible.
Some healthy foods for your teeth include milk, leafy greens, and nuts. Crunchy fruits and vegetables are good for your teeth because they can help reduce plaque buildup.
5. Avoid Smoking
In addition to being bad for your health, smoking is also bad for your teeth. Smoking cigarettes can increase plaque and bacteria in your mouth, causing more dental problems.
You also should avoid using smokeless tobacco. When choosing the best dentist, tell them if you smoke. Your dentist can give you options to help you quit smoking.
Are You Ready to Use These Dental Care Tips?
If you want to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, you need to take good care of your teeth. Make sure you brush your teeth, floss, drink water, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid smoking.
Did you enjoy reading about these dental care tips? If so, check out the health category to learn more about dental health.
