The way you take care of your teeth on a daily basis, greatly affects their overall health in the long run, and having best practices at home makes it easier for your dentist to clean your teeth well, and means that your teeth stay strong and beautiful without as much preventative or interventional medical care. Tooth-healthy habits are important for patients of all ages, and it's never too soon to get started.
Brush Twice Every Day
This is a no brainer, but it is still easy to forget to brush early in the morning, or to just skip it before bed. This is harmful as it allows unhealthy bacteria to flourish in your mouth unchecked, and can cause decay at night and bad breath during the day.
Floss Daily
Flossing is as important as brushing, because it cleans the spaces in between your teeth so that cavities cannot form in those hard to reach places. Flossing is also important for maintaining the strength and health of your gums, by massaging them without applying too much pressure, and preventing gum disease.
Crunchy Fruits And Vegetables
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables helps work the jaws and gums, and strengthens teeth, whereas mushy, processed food can lead to decay. The vitamins and fiber in fresh foods also keeps the body healthy and energized. Only avoid eating crunchy foods if you have dental hardware like braces or expanders, or cut them into small pieces instead.
Green Tea
Unsweetened green tea is great for your teeth, not only because it keeps you hydrated and is antioxidant, but also because it contains quite a bit of natural fluoride, the most effective bacteria-fighting, decay preventing mineral. Drink green tea daily to supplement your daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste to maximize results. Since green tea is slightly caffeinated, it's a home remedy for adults.
Contact Us!
These are four wonderful ways to take care of your mouth at home, but it is equally as important for you to visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning twice a year. A professional, like our team at Short Pump Dental in Henrico, VA, will be able to clean your teeth in ways that aren't possible at home. We offer specialized dental care for the whole family, so request your appointment today, we look forward to meeting you!