Regular dental visits can help your dentist catch any issues before they become serious, but most people don’t get to their appointments as often as they should. According to the American Dental Association, adults should go to the dentist every six months, but the majority of people only go once every twelve months or less. Here are some tips from Dr. Tariq Sayegh on how to keep your mouth healthy between dental visits.
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About Dr. Tariq Sayegh
Dr. Tariq Sayegh is passionate about preserving the health of his patients’ teeth and gums because he knows how hard it can be to feel comfortable without an appointment book full of regular check-ups and cleanings. He provides comprehensive treatment plans to ensure you get everything you need from a dentist in one place.
Tips #1: Brush at least twice daily
The first tip from Dr. Sayegh is to brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime, using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. To maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent decay and cavities, the American Dental Association advises brushing twice a day. Fluoride has been shown to protect teeth against plaque acids and helps remineralize enamel to repair weakened areas of teeth.
Tips #2: Use a tongue scraper
Studies have shown that the presence of anaerobic bacteria on the tongue may lead to heart disease and even cancer, so it’s important to clean away these germs as often as possible with a simple, drugstore tongue scraper.
If you want to do more than just brush, dentists recommend a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria that sticks to the surface of your tongue and gums, which can lead to bad breath and other oral health problems over time.
Scraping your tongue is also a good way to evaluate gum tissue health, and Dr. Sayegh recommends that you replace your scraper every six months to ensure it’s working properly. Tongue scrapers aren’t hard to find in local drugstores or online, and they’re inexpensive enough that they make a great gift for anyone in your family who relies on good oral hygiene habits.
Tips #3: Use floss
Flossing is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your teeth, but it often gets overlooked. When you floss, you’re removing bacteria and food particles that can’t be reached by brushing alone, which helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease over time. Flossing also has the added benefit of reducing bad breath since the bacteria left in between teeth can cause halitosis.
While it might seem daunting at first, flossing is actually quite simple once you get used to it. All you need is a length of floss and an extra few minutes at night before bed to maintain good oral health. Doing so prevents gingivitis and other oral health issues, such as cavities and periodontal disease.
Tips #4: Stay away from alcohol, nicotine, and sugar
If you are trying to keep your teeth healthy, stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and sugar as much as possible. These substances decrease saliva flow, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. They also cause the body to produce less calcium and phosphates, which are essential minerals needed for healthy teeth. Sugar is particularly problematic because it breaks down into acid that causes tooth decay when it reacts with bacteria in the mouth. Avoiding these things will help keep your mouth clean of bacteria and give you a healthier smile.
Tips #5: Limit snacking between meals
Eating a snack every few hours can be tempting, but it can also lead to more snacking and eating unhealthy food. It is best to wait at least three hours after a meal before you have another snack or meal. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthier as well.
However, if you are still hungry and have a craving for sweets or starchy foods, try having a small snack of milk or an apple instead of a chocolate cake. If you do eat sweet food, take care to brush your teeth immediately afterward to remove any leftover sugar that can cause problems with your gums and teeth.
Tips #6: Visit the dentist regularly
The key to maintaining a healthy mouth is consistency and diligence. The more often you visit the dentist, the less likely you’ll have to suffer through an expensive and painful treatment plan. If you’re able to see your dentist twice per year, that’s not too bad – but if you can’t make it in as often as that, try seeing them once every six months or so.
The reason that you want to visit your dentist often is to catch and fix issues as soon as possible. The longer you put off treatment, after all, the more expensive it’ll likely be. And while there are some things that you might do at home to take care of your teeth, like brushing them and flossing, these actions will only help so much if they’re not supported by regular trips to the dentist.
Conclusion
The number one thing you can do to keep your teeth and gums clean is to brush and floss regularly. Dr. Sayegh recommends brushing at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, and flossing daily as well. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will also help promote good oral health since they are high in nutrients that promote strong teeth and gums while being low in sugars that can cause tooth decay. Furthermore, avoid foods that are hard on teeth, like chips and crunchy snacks. Finally, be sure to visit your dentist every six months for routine check-ups.
