Union Hills | Dental Care in Phoenix, Arizona
Brushing and flossing daily is necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, you can do other things that benefit your overall well-being. Please read below for our ten dental care health tips.
#1 BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush for two minutes twice a day, known as the 2×2 rule, helps remove plaque and bacteria. To avoid damaging the soft tissue, brush with fluoride toothpaste and proper techniques using small circular motions. Don’t forget to brush your tongue well to fight bad breath.
#2 FLOSS DAILY
Floss nightly before brushing to remove anything your toothbrush is unable to dislodge. Skipping this vital step will leave small food particles that can eventually decay and cause oral health problems. Flossing may cause gums to be extra sensitive, which is natural and will stop once you’ve been flossing for a couple of days.
#3 REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH REGULARLY
It would be best if you change your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months. Old, frayed toothbrushes don’t clean the tooth’s surface correctly and can damage your gums. Always rinse your toothbrush and store it upright to dry completely.
#4 DENTIST VISITS EVERY SIX MONTHS
Regular six-month dental care visits will allow your dentist in Phoenix, AZ to catch issues before they take hold. During this visit, your teeth get a thorough cleaning from a hygienist to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar and shine up your tooth enamel with a buff and polish.
#5 MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET
Avoiding foods and drinks that are highly processed and laden in sugars plays a massive role in long-term dental health. Including foods high in calcium that can help support strong and healthy teeth, like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, almonds, yogurt, and cheese.
#6 USE DENTAL PRODUCTS
As you know, brushing and flossing are fundamental to preventive dental care. Still, you can help keep your teeth in top condition by incorporating supplemental aids into your routine. Consider using mouthwash, oral irrigators, interdental, and tongue cleaners. These dental care products can help support good oral health and should be used in addition to regular brushing and flossing.
#7 KEEP HYDRATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy saliva flow by moving food particles through your mouth, preventing them from sticking between your teeth where bacteria can grow.
#8 DON’T SMOKE
Smoking causes tooth staining and severe health issues like gum disease, leading to tooth loss and oral cancer. The number one thing to do to care for your teeth and overall health is to quit smoking immediately.
#9 DENTAL SEALANTS
Dental sealants fill in the grooves of the top of your molars and premolars to protect your teeth from cavities. Everyone benefits from sealants, but children and teens are good candidates as they often don’t brush as thoroughly as adults.
#10 EXAMINE REGULARLY
While regular dental care checkups with your dentist in Phoenix, AZ are an excellent preventive measure, issues can develop between visits. Quickly scan the inside of your mouth as part of your oral care routine. If anything seems unusual, share this information with your dentist at your next appointment.
Union Hills Orthodontics and Family Dentist in Phoenix, AZ, has many years of experience and is here to guide you with the best dental hygiene tips. Our passion is to help you maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile. Ask us about other dental services such as teeth whitening and dental implants. Schedule an appointment today.
