If you have ever been to see a family dentist, they’ve probably told you how important it is to practice good dental hygiene. As your family dentist, we can’t stress how important this is if you want to prevent cavities and severe dental problems. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy and keep cavities at bay:
- Use a fluoride toothpaste — Not all toothpastes are created equal. After eating or drinking, always brush your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Rinse with mouthwash –– Nothing beats the feeling of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a minty mouthwash! Not only does mouthwash keep your breath nice and fresh, but it can also help finish off the brushing process and ensure your teeth are completely clean.
- Avoid frequent snacking –– When you snack or drink a beverage in between meals, your mouth produces bacteria that can destroy your tooth enamel. Try to avoid frequent snacking, so you minimize the production of these bacteria when you don’t plan to brush for a while.
- Floss –– How many times has your family dentist told you to floss? While you’re probably tired of hearing it, flossing is an extremely important part of maintaining your dental health because it removes plaque from places your toothbrush isn’t able to reach.
- Pick healthy foods –– Your diet can impact the health of your gums and teeth. Try to eat a well-rounded diet that includes minimal sugar and plenty of fruits and vegetables.