Dental hygiene is an important part of overall health and everyday life. For many of us it’s one of the things we teach our children when they’re young, and what we start and end each day with. When teeth aren’t well cared for, they can decay and serious problems can arise. Many individuals claim that baby teeth are like a “test run” for dental hygiene, as cavities are likely to occur—but we get one more chance to get it right. Even baby teeth are important to keep clean; not only does it set the stage for proper dental care later in life, but it can prevent early onset gum diseases and deeper-rooted dental issues.
Tooth decay, gum disease, periodontal disease, and gingivitis are only a few of the things that can go wrong if proper dental care is not upheld. Dental decay has even been related to heart disease in some cases. For instance, certain types of foods increase plaque buildup on teeth, and these are generally the same foods that cause plaque to develop in heart valves and pathways. Here are some of the ways to promote proper ongoing dental care in order to prevent teeth from decaying:
Brush and Floss Everyday
Brushing in the morning before you leave the house serves multiple purposes: not only does it freshen your breath before you greet the world, but it removes the bacteria that develop overnight. When you brush your teeth at least twice a day, everyday, you greatly reduce the risk of the aforementioned gum diseases and dental problems. However, flossing is highly underrated. Have you ever flossed daily just to give it a try? You’ll be amazed at the amount of food and gunk that consistently builds up between your teeth! Flossing everyday before bed is a good routine to get into—as brushing only does half the work.
Use the Right Brush and Toothpaste
Brushing is important for your teeth, but can be a wasted effort without the right brush and toothpaste. Depending on your gum and tooth sensitivity, you should choose the right stiffness in your brush (i.e. anywhere from soft to hard bristles). Furthermore, using fluoride toothpaste has shown to significantly reduce plaque buildup and tooth decay—including reducing the risk of cavities.
Don’t Forget Your Tongue and Gums
Those pearly whites aren’t the only thing that needs attention; your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth should also be brushed regularly. Since bacteria builds on all the surfaces of the mouth, it’s important to consistently give the dead cells in all areas an opportunity to be scrubbed away and regenerated so that your mouth can continue producing saliva to combat bacteria buildup.
Limit Sugar Consumption
Who doesn’t love candy, cookies, and sweets? Well, sure they taste good, but they’re not great for you on a few different levels. Sugar and sweet foods aren’t good for your overall health, and replacing those food with healthier foods like fruit can greatly reduce your risk of health problems, including dental issues like cavities. Sugar burrows deep into the ridges of your teeth, causing cavities. Cavities can worsen over time if not filled or addressed by a dentist, and can eventually lead to the need for a root canal. It’s best to act preventively by reducing the amount of sugar you consume, especially those hard candies that get stuck in your teeth!
Schedule Routine Dentist Appointments
Above all else, scheduling routine dentist appointments is a good way to hold yourself accountable for ongoing dental care. With the help of a professional dentist, you can be guided on how to best care for your teeth—as every individual is uniquely different, whether it’s due to life circumstances or genetics. Here at the Dental Group of Simi Valley, we have kept the same approach to dental care since 1963—preventive care is the best way to keep your smile healthy and bright. We offer the residents of Simi Valley and nearby cities like Moorpark and Chatsworth affordable, quality dental care by a team of professionals. Furthermore, we continually educate ourselves on the current dental care trends, including periodically upgrading our technology. To schedule a teeth cleaning and get your dental care on track, contact our office today!
