HOW TO AVOID DENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE NEW YEAR

It’s the new year, and it’s a great time to create new habits. For most, basic dental hygiene is taught from an early age. This isn’t surprising, as dental hygiene is incredibly important. Your teeth serve a lot of purposes. Your ability to brush, floss, and use mouth wash can directly reduce dental problems. If you’re not taking care of your teeth, however, you’ll face a slew of dental-related threats. If you’re turning over a new leaf this year – it’s a good idea to check up on your dental health.

AVOID DENTAL PROBLEMS WITH THESE TIPS

RINSE REGULARLY

First, you should rinse with mouthwash containing fluoride. If you’re at a high-risk for cavities, you’ll need to do this regularly. Don’t worry, Rinsing isn’t too difficult. Simply pour yourself a cup of the fluoride and rinse around your mouth for 60 seconds. It’s a great habit to form, and it’ll stick with you for many years.

USE A DENTAL SEALANT

Next, you should buy a dental sealant. Sealants are protective, plastic coatings. They cover the grooves and crannies of your teeth. These can also prevent food and bacteria from collecting between them. Apply the sealant to the chewing surface of your back teeth – it can last up to 10 years before needing replacement.

LIMIT THE SNACKS AND SIPS

Everyone likes food. That said, you don’t need to be snacking constantly. In fact, eating or drinking throughout the day can wear down your teeth. If you’re eating junk food, your mouth’s bacteria will feed off the carbs, sugars, and fat. This bacteria produces acid when this occurs, slowly wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

EAT HEALTHY

Conversely, you should eat healthy foods. Your daily diet is crucial to your health. Primarily, it’s crucial to your oral health. Skip the processed foods. Skip the sugary foods. Skip anything sticky, too. Instead, incorporate fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein into your diet. These foods actually increase your mouth’s saliva flow, reapplying minerals to your tooth enamel.

BRUSH AND FLOSS TWICE PER DAY

As you know, brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of good oral health. You should brush and floss your teeth twice per day. You should also brush and floss following a sticky, sugary snack. Brushing and flossing prevents food particle buildup, plaque, and bacteria build-up. On the flip-side, particles left in the mouth will break down over time. Then, they’ll cause bad breath.

DRINK MORE WATER

While indulging in sugary drinks can hurt your teeth, drinking more water can help them. Sip water regularly, and keep your mouth from drying out. A dry mouth can breed the environment needed for extra bacteria growth. If you can, keep a water bottle nearby. Drinking more water also encourage good overall health, not just dental!

WAIT 30 MINUTES BEFORE BRUSHING

Finally, you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Doing so will make sure you’re brushing away harmful substances, rather than your enamel. If you’re unable to brush after eating, you should at least rinse your mouth out. Contact Biltmore Commons Dental Care today, and ask us about our personal tooth care tips. Offering the latest, greatest technologies in restorative, preventative and cosmetic dentistry, we’re always ready to help our patients achieve the best smile possible.