You know it’s important to brush and floss, but are you doing everything you can to keep your teeth healthy? Here are 5 critical dental health tips for adults.
Did you know poor dental hygiene can have a negative effect on your heart? The same bacteria that causes gum disease is found in the plaque that clogs arteries. So, bad oral health can lead to heart disease.
Not only that, aging adults are more likely to have untreated tooth decay and tooth loss. Follow these dental health tips to ensure you keep your pearly whites into your twilight years.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
It sounds obvious, but regular dental check-ups are essential for proper oral care. Most dentists recommend having your teeth cleaned twice a year to assess your dental health.
During your visit, you’ll have a dental exam, usually with x-rays to check for cavities and other dental issues. Your dentist will check for signs for gum disease and clean your teeth. Cleanings are vital to removing plaque, which can harden into tartar.
Because brushing and flossing don’t remove tarter, it requires more in-depth cleanings called scaling. The dentist uses a scraper to remove the tartar
If you experience tooth pain, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your dentist. The main may not be anything major, but it could signal something important like a cavity, cracked tooth or even an abscess.
With certain conditions, your dentists may refer you to a specialist for a root canal in Sydney, or other dental procedure to try and save your teeth. But, the best way to avoid needing serious dental intervention is through regular dental checkups.
Floss Your Teeth Regularly
A study performed by Delta Dental found only 40 percent of people admit to flossing at least once a day while 20 percent don’t floss at all.
Interproximal cavities or cavities between the teeth form when food and bacteria remain between the teeth. Brushing alone isn’t enough get in between the teeth because bristles can’t maneuver between the tight spaces.
Flossing is the best way to remove food and bacteria from between teeth. Dental floss is designed to squeeze between even the tightest spaces between teeth.
Use a Soft Bristle Toothbrush And Change It Regularly
Soft bristle toothbrushes are recommended for daily tooth brushing. Hard or firm bristle brushes can wear down the enamel on teeth and cause gum recession, especially if you brush with lots of pressure and force.
Toothbrushes are not self-cleaning are can harbor bacteria. Every three months is the recommended time frame for changing your toothbrush, or brush head if you use electric/battery powered toothbrushes. You should also change your toothbrush anytime you get sick to keep from exposing yourself to the illness again.
Supplement Brushing And Flossing With Mouthwash
Believe it or not, mouthwash can get into oral crevices that brushing and flossing just can’t reach. A mouthwash that contains fluoride can help strengthen protect your teeth against the acids in plaque that wear away your enamel. It also keeps your breath fresh longer than just brushing in the morning.
Be Mindful of What You Put in Your Mouth
Foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates taste good, but they’re bad for your teeth. Oral bacteria feed on sugar and carbs which leads to cavities.
Alcohol is another contributing factor to tooth decay and poor dental health. Limit your consumption of sweets and alcohol, and make sure you brush after eating and drinking them to keep sugar from lingering on your teeth.
Fast food also contains higher amounts of sugar than cooking at home. Be mindful of this when you stop to get dinner on the way home and brush your teeth before bed.
More Dental Health Tips And Lifestyle Advice
Additionally, should include fibrous fruit and vegetables like apples and celery in your diet as they help to clean your teeth as you eat.
Following these tips and addressing any questions or concerns with your dentist can help prevent tooth loss so you can keep your teeth well into your golden years.
We specialize in lifestyle and health tips to help answer your questions. Check out our blog for more dental health tips.
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