5 Important Tips For Great Dental Health
Great dental health is important for a number of reasons. Neglecting your teeth by not brushing or flossing at least twice a day as well as making regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings can result in tooth decay, cavities, and other unpleasant conditions that could result in costly treatments later on.
The following are five important tips for great dental health that will keep your smile healthy and bright:
1. Brush regularly. While this may seem like a no-brainer, it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways of preventing tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Experts recommend you brush teeth at least twice daily with an American Dental Association-approved toothpaste. Your toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. Proper brushing technique is to brush for at least two minutes (a minute on the top and a minute on the bottom) in a circular motion, concentrating on the gum line.
2. Floss at least once a day. Flossing removes the plaque and food particles in between the teeth that brushing can’t reach. Not flossing can lead to cavities in between the teeth as well as gum disease, so daily flossing between all the teeth is very important for dental health. Experts recommend you floss before you brush your teeth.
3. Get regular check-ups. Most adults and children don’t visit the dentist nearly enough. Whether it’s because they don’t feel like they need it or because they’re scared, many people don’t get check-ups at least once a year, which is what is recommended. Annual check-ups should include a cleaning, which removes tartar and plaque build-up from the teeth, preventing decay and gum disease. Your check-up should also include an x-ray, which will look for any existing cavities that will need to be filled. Regular check-ups are the best way to prevent more serious, costly procedures by taking care of them before they escalate.
4. Limit sugar and certain drinks. Sugar is one of the main perpetrators behind tooth decay, so limiting sugary snacks and drinks like soda, juice, and candies is a good way to promote great dental health. In addition, these sugary beverages, along with alcohol, have high levels of phosphorus, which drain the body’s level of calcium, leading to weaker teeth. Drinks like coffee and red wine should be consumed in moderation as well, as they can stain the teeth. Beverages like water and milk, which is high in calcium, are optimal for proper dental health.
5. Increase your vitamins. Calcium and Vitamins C and D are particularly important for dental health. Bone density starts to decrease as you get older, so increased calcium can help retain bone density. Vitamins C and D help in the absorption of minerals that aid in the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums. Get plenty of calcium through leafy green vegetables and milk, and take a supplement if you don’t get the minimum requirements of Vitamin C and D.
Dr. Benjamin Kim, DDS, is a leader in Avon cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Kim is highly experienced in Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. To get more information on how Dr. Kim can give you a brilliant smile visit the West Cleveland Smile Center or call (216) 251-8826.
Source: EzineArticles