General dentists spend a fair share of their time educating patients about how to take care of their teeth. Oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to preventing issues like tooth decay and gum disease and it does not cost much.
Once you establish good oral hygiene habits, it becomes a part of you so you do not even have to think about doing things that are good for your teeth.
The outer layer of teeth, called the enamel, is the most durable substance in the body but it is constantly under attack from acids and bacteria. These can eat away at the minerals that form enamel, leading to dental erosion. As a result, teeth develop cavities and gum disease can follow.
There are some basic tips general dentists share with their patients that can help to protect teeth and keep them healthy. These include:
Good dental hygiene begins with brushing teeth at least two times daily. Brushing removes food particles that bacteria can convert into acids from the mouth. Brushing also removes acids in the mouth and bacteria.
Dentists recommend brushing at least two times a day to give teeth enough time to recover from these constant attacks. The most important time to brush is right before going to bed. This removes bacteria and acids that have built up on teeth all day. Saliva production is reduced during sleep so teeth are more vulnerable to attacks. Cleaning teeth before going to sleep helps to minimize these attacks. Each brushing session should last at least two minutes.
Flossing is just as important as brushing. It cleans the tight spaces between teeth that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. These spaces are still big enough for bacteria and plaque to accumulate and eat away at teeth so they should be cleaned at least once each day.
Mouthwash helps to clean areas brushing and flossing miss. An antibacterial mouthwash kills oral bacteria which reduces the acids being created in the mouth. Some mouthwashes are also infused with fluoride to help remineralize teeth.
Anything that contains sugar is bad for teeth. Even things that are not very sweet, like rice, contain enough sugars to promote tooth decay. The worst thing a person can do is consume sugary things all day since that leaves their teeth coated with sugar for prolonged periods.
Sugar is acidic and oral bacteria convert it into other acids. Make sure you rinse your mouth with water after consuming things that contain sugar to minimize its effects on teeth.
Visiting a dentist twice a year allows them to perform preventative treatments, like cleanings, that keep teeth healthy. It also provides an opportunity to treat any developing problems in their early stages.
Contact our St. George clinic to learn more about how you can improve your oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://www.aboutdentalcare.com or call About Dental Care at (435) 652-9105 for an appointment in our St. George office.
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