If you’ve ever been diagnosed with a cavity, you may have wondered what you could have done to avoid it. Fortunately, there are many oral health practices that can help prevent tooth decay and improve your smile. Here are four of the best preventative oral health techniques to incorporate into your routine.
1. Use Proper Brushing Technique
It isn’t enough to simply brush your teeth. You should make sure you’re following best brushing practices for oral health and check that you have the correct toothbrush.
Brush your teeth daily, but experts recommend at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use small and gentle strokes, making sure to cover all the surfaces of your teeth. Your toothbrush should additionally have soft bristles and fit comfortably in your mouth. Replace it every three to four months.
2. Floss Once a Day
Even with proper brushing technique, it’s hard to get to all of the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing is essential for cleaning between your teeth, and it’s an important part of your oral health. If you skip flossing, food and plaque can build up between your teeth, causing cavities.
For flawless flossing, use about 18 inches of floss and guide it gently in between your teeth with a gentle rubbing motion. Clean the side of each tooth, including the back of your last tooth.
3. Check Your Oral Health Habits
Some of your lifestyle habits could negatively impact your oral health.
Certain acidic or sugary foods and beverages can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth or cause staining. Minimize your intake of coffee, red wine, and soda, as well as candy and sugary treats. Try to drink more fluoridated water after meals to rinse away food particles and protect your teeth.
If you’re a smoker, stopping your use of tobacco products will greatly benefit your oral health and decrease your risk of oral cancer.
4. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
At Bliss Dental, we recommend that our patients schedule preventative visits twice a year. We do much more than simply clean your teeth. Preventative care includes polishing, fluoride treatments, X-rays, and oral cancer screenings.
We can spot tooth decay in its early stages and recommend treatments that will help save your natural teeth. Plus, we offer oral hygiene counseling to make sure you have customized information about taking care of your beautiful smile.
Don’t wait to schedule your preventative care visit today. It’s easy to request an appointment online, too!