With all the health advice available today, it’s hard to know what’s truly important to your oral health. Dr. Poorva Parnaik and her team at Dental Creations in Medford, NJ want you to know the top 10 dental care tips so you can keep your mouth and body healthy for years to come.
1. Brush your teeth every day
You’ve probably heard this from your parents and dentist since you were a child: brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing removes leftover food particles that feed the bacteria that can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
2. Use toothpaste with fluoride
Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste because it helps strengthen your tooth enamel. It can reverse early signs of tooth decay such as weakened spots in the enamel that are the start of cavities or exposed roots that can cause discomfort.
3. Flossing is as important as brushing
Flossing is important because it removes the plaque from between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. If plaque is allowed to remain in these hard-to-reach places, you could find yourself dealing with gum disease, which is linked to cardiovascular problems and Alzheimer’s.
4. Limit sugar intake, including sugary drinks
Sugar contributes to tooth decay because it feeds the harmful bacteria that live in our mouths. Bacteria feed off of the leftover food particles in our mouths, and if the food contains a high sugar content, bacteria can multiply even faster. Cutting down on the amount of sugar in your diet will help keep oral bacteria at bay.
5. Maintain a healthy diet
A healthy diet is important not just for your overall health but it also helps your teeth in ways you might not expect. In addition to vital nutrients provided by eating healthy foods, many fruits and vegetables are crunchy and chewy, which promotes saliva production. Foods that require a lot of chewing are good for the teeth because more saliva means the mouth is naturally washed out more often.
6. Stay hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated helps your mouth produce enough saliva, which keeps teeth clean. Saliva washes out the mouth, which removes oral bacteria and leftover food particles.
7. Don’t forget your tongue
If your tongue has a white or yellow film on it, you may need to brush it regularly. When you brush your teeth, don’t forget to run your brush over your tongue to remove the foul-smelling bacterial waste that can cause bad breath.
8. Don’t chew on hard items
This may go without saying, but try not to bite down on hard candies or even non-food items like pen caps or fingernails. This can damage teeth.
9. Take care of your toothbrush
Your toothbrush doesn’t need any special cleaning, but make sure it dries out after each use and is clean, without any leftover toothpaste. If you store it upright and exposed to air, your toothbrush will be good to go!
10. See your dentist twice a year
Regular dental exams are necessary for preserving your oral health. Your dentist can find and treat tooth decay early before it becomes severe, helping you avoid complex dental procedures. They will also perform X-rays to ensure your teeth are still secure in your mouths.
Dr. Parnaik’s Dental Creations team in Medford, NJ is here to help you maintain your oral health. Call 609.365.0673 to or contact us online to schedule an appointment today to keep your smile healthy!