As we begin 2023, we are sharing some practical tips on how to maintain your oral health, so that you can keep smiling, for life.
After eating rinse out with water if you can’t brush your teeth right away. This will help wash away bacteria and food debris, which cause cavities if they are left on your tooth surfaces. Rinsing with water will also reduce tooth staining.
If you are drinking sugary or acidic drinks, gulp it down rather than sip on it over an extended period of time. The longer your teeth are exposed, the greater the risk of cavities. You can also use a straw to transport the drink to the back of your mouth rather than exposing all your teeth to the drink.
If you’re drinking things cause staining like coffee, tea or red wine, drink it within 20 minutes, rather than sipping it for an extended period, and rinse out with water right away to minimize staining.
Floss regularly. If you’re not doing it daily, it’s important to get into a routine. Flossing removes food debris and bacteria from between your teeth and under your gums where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Avoid hard foods, especially if you already have large restorations in your mouth as they may cause your natural tooth or restorations to crack or break.
Don’t use your teeth as tools, use them to eat food only, otherwise they may chip or break.
Avoid sticky snacks such as dried fruits as they can get stuck between the teeth and promote bacterial growth and cavities.
Don’t put off your dental work. Those cavities and cracks in your teeth aren’t getting smaller. Avoid more extensive dental work by getting things fixed while they are small, and avoid root canals and extractions.
Prevention is best. Go for your regular dental exams, get annual diagnostic radiographs, get your oral cancer checks and get your regular dental cleanings to catch things early and prevent large problems.
Contact us for more advice on how to keep your mouth healthy!
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