At Acton Dental Associates we devote a lot of our time educating our patients about the proper ways to care for their teeth. Proper oral hygiene care is the foundation of oral health and wellness, helping to prevent many common dental issues from ever occurring. Over the years, we’ve found that our patients who establish good habits can keep their teeth healthy without even thinking about it. Here, we share some habits that can keep your mouth and body healthy.
Brushing your teeth removes the food particles that bacteria turn into acid, reducing your risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. Brushing at least twice each day for two minutes at a time, once in the morning and once at night, is a good rule of thumb to remove the bacteria and acid built up throughout the day. If you can, it’s also a good idea to keep a travel toothbrush with you to clean your teeth after a mid-day meal.
Flossing every night is an important way to remove food particles trapped between the teeth and cannot be reached with a toothbrush. When flossing, make sure to slide it up and down and along the entire tooth. Also, don’t skip tight spaces as they are often the areas that need the most flossing attention.
Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash helps eliminate any lingering bacteria and leaves your entire mouth feeling fresh.
Even individuals with exceptional oral hygiene care need to visit the dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings. During these visits, we can identify any potential areas of concern before they advance to more serious problems. Additionally, professional dental cleanings are a great way to remove any plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to decay or gum disease.
Minimising sugar intake is essential to preventing tooth decay. In addition to limiting sweet foods, some foods can help promote healthy teeth. Consuming foods that are high in calcium, such as low-fat yogurt, milk, and cheese, dark leafy- vegetables, and almonds, can all help keep your teeth strong. Plus, your body will also enjoy the benefits of healthy nutrition.
Drinking plenty of water is good for your overall health, and it also helps your mouth maintain a healthy saliva flow which can prevent many food particles from becoming trapped in the mouth.
In addition to causing tooth discoloration and bad breath, smoking can lead to many serious health concerns such as periodontal disease and oral cancer. Talk to us if you need resources to help you quit smoking.
We want to be your partners in oral health and wellness. You can take charge of your oral health by establishing good oral hygiene care at home and visiting our office twice a year for a preventative exam. If you are in the Acton, Massachusetts area and would like to learn more about our services, please call us at (978) 881-5826.
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