We talk frequently about the preventive, corrective, restorative, and cosmetic treatments that help to fend off or correct all manner of dental issues. To some extent, these are all unique, and each has its distinct purpose and goal.
What we should keep in mind as we discuss these things is that, at the end of the day, as simplistic and “plain as the nose on your face” as it sounds, all dental procedures share the same goal: keeping patients’ teeth, gums, and supporting structures healthy.
Today, we’re keeping this in mind, keeping things simple, and looking at a handful of straightforward but crucial things you can do to keep your teeth healthy.
Best Practices for Healthy Teeth
We’ve put together a list of our five “best practices” that ought to be part of your dental health routine:
- Brush your teeth frequently and with proper technique. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, gently angling the brush toward the gums at about 45 degrees, and use a smooth, circular motion to clean the surfaces of the teeth and the gum line.
- Floss daily. Flossing regularly removes food particles between teeth that cannot be reached through simple brushing. Proper flossing helps prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
- Limit consumption of sugar and acid. Foods and beverages high in sugar or overly acidic contribute to plaque and tartar buildup and enamel erosion.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Bi-annual dental check-ups and cleanings not only remove plaque and tartar from teeth and gums but also allow a dentist to detect and preemptively address minor issues before they become serious problems.
- Protect your teeth from trauma. Wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from impact-related injury if you play contact sports.
Keeping Teeth Healthy in Huntsville, AL
If you’re in the Huntsville area and looking for a top-quality dentist who can help you and your loved ones develop and maintain dental health practices to steer you clear of serious dental issues, contact Huntsville dentist Dr. Brian Cook and the Twickenham Family Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!