How To Avoid Tooth Decay
Dentist visits are not easily enjoyed by some people, mostly due to the lack of dental care at home. The world seems to move so rapidly that people often times forget to care for their teeth. The facts are there, so why do we ignore them? Decay is not attractive or healthy and is quite easy to avoid. We all want nice smiles, so let’s remember the facts.
1. Perform Routine Maintenance
Probably the simplest way we can protect our smiles is to brush twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. So easy – two minutes! Not only does it help remove plaque, but it massages the gums as well. We need to keep the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle using short, gentle circular movements. Bonus: dentists hand out free toothbrushes often times along with floss and mouthwash. Start this with children as soon as their teeth come in and it will become habit and second nature.
Next is flossing. I know, I know…flossing is not very enjoyable. However, I’m proof that flossing makes a difference. I have very crowded teeth so flossing can be difficult and painful. I didn’t want to deal with it, so I quit flossing for a while. That was a big mistake. I developed Gingivitis. That was right about the time my Dentist introduced me to the flat floss. I started flossing regularly again and reversed my Gingivitis. Brushing just doesn’t get down under the gums quite like flossing does. I’m a true believer. Hate how flossing can make your gums bleed? Floss before bed and you’ll never know the difference!
2. Think About Your Diet
Sugar is everywhere, which means it’s difficult to remove it from our diets completely. If we are going to consume sugary drinks and snacks, we need to remember to floss and brush within fifteen minutes of doing so. This will prevent the slimy plaque from growing on our teeth. Going out for a smoke after lunch? Why not forget the cigarette, which increases periodontitis risk up to seven times, and brush instead. Not only will you have a nicer smile, you’ll have once less cigarette a day. Sugar sitting on our teeth over time creates a slimy, germy mess in our mouths.
3. See the Dentist
Visits to the dentist need to be every six months. Plaque can be removed much easier, cavities discovered, and smiles brightened. Too much time in between visits only contributes to decay and other common related diseases. Don’t like the dentist? Keeping your appointments at every six months actually decreases time in the chair as well as time with those noisy tools! My lack of cavities in thirty-and-then-some years is proof that taking care of your mouth has great advantages!
Let’s keep the decay at bay so we can look and feel healthy with only three things to remember: brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits.