Make 2024 the Year to Prioritize Your Oral Health!
Teeth should be a priority for everyone! Protecting your teeth will lead to a happier life, better self-esteem, and prevent a lot of avoidable health problems.
Follow these tips for teeth care, and you'll be on track to a better life and a great smile.
Top Ten Ways to Protect Your Teeth
1 – Refresh Your Oral Care Routine
More than anything else, brushing regularly will go so far in protecting your teeth from bacteria and cavities. Commit to an oral care routine of twice a day brushing, rinsing and daily flossing. Your breath will smell better too!
2 – Upgrade your Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Consider investing in an electric toothbrush with rotating bristles or oscillating brush. Pair that with a toothpaste that suits your individual needs, be it sensitivity, enamel protection or whitening. Always choose fluoridation. Fluoride has been proven, over and over, to help prevent cavities from forming. This is especially important if you live in an area without fluoridated water.
3 - Brush thoroughly and properly
Running the brush back and forth over your teeth isn't enough. A good tooth-brushing takes 1-2 minutes, and should involve gentle circular motions so the bristles get into every little crevice.
4 - Floss regularly
Brushing can't get all the bits of food in between your teeth, so flossing is a necessity. If regular floss is too fiddly for you, just use the disposable picks. Remember that each space has two sides and floss each separately so as not to damage the gum. It is also recommended to floss first and then brush to allow the fluoride from the toothpaste to remain.
5 - Brush or scrape your tongue
People often forget about their tongues, but they are an absolute haven for food remains and bacteria. Brush your tongue, or use a scraper, to keep it clean.
6 - Drink plenty of water
Drinking water is great for helping to flush out your mouth, and ensure it's properly moist. Dry mouth actually encourages bacteria to breed, so keep drinking.
7 – Say Good-bye to Bad Habits such as Tobacco
There are so many reasons to never use tobacco, but its impact on your oral health is one of the biggest. Any kind of tobacco - even vaping - will directly damage your teeth, as well as encouraging oral cancers.
8 - Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables
Crunchy foods full of starch help scrub your teeth, as well as keeping your jaw muscles strong. This is especially important for kids, as too many mushy foods can inhibit the development of their mouths.
9 – Protect Your Smile: Mouthguards for Sports or Bruxism
If you or your children regularly engage in sporting activities, consider a mouthguard to protect teeth and concussions. Custom made mouthguards for sleeping will protect your teeth from unnecessary wear due to grinding and clenching.
10 - Visit your dentist regularly
No home oral hygiene routine can match a professional dental cleaning. Get a check-up at least once a year to protect your mouth and your oral health. Regular visits will keep you abreast of new trends and procedures as well as avoiding major dental issues. If it's been more than a year, call your friendly dentist at Plainsboro Dental Care 609-799-4422 for an appointment today.