Dental problems are increasingly becoming popular among a majority of individuals in the United States. In fact, recent statistics show that dental decay is the second most common disease after the cold. Nearly 50% of the population in America experience dental troubles. Fortunately, there are many techniques you can use to prevent dental troubles.
Typically, flossing and brushing your teeth are the most common dental hygiene practices. Even so, there are other oral practices that can boost your dental health. In this article, we look at how to jump ahead of dental troubles.
Identify your cavity risk level
It is important to identify your cavity risk level. This way, you’ll be able to take control of your health. Identifying your cavity risk level requires you to undergo a dental examination. During a professional dental examination, your dentist identifies all underlying dental problems. This way, they can fix the problems as early as possible. Also, your dentist will give you the best teeth maintenance tips to boost your oral health. When you identify you have a higher cavity risk level, you’ll have to visit your dentist more frequently. On the other hand, you won’t need many dental visits if you have a low cavity risk level. Ultimately knowing your cavity risk level helps you jump ahead of dental troubles.
Clean your teeth regularly using the right toothbrush and toothpaste
Another way to jump ahead of dental troubles is to clean your teeth often. Use the right toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your teeth. Your mouth serves as a habitat for thousands of microorganisms. Therefore, you have to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Otherwise, food particles can accumulate on your teeth and form plaque. Plaque, in turn, leads to tartar which causes dental caries and decay. Plaque also produces acid, which can wear out the enamel hence leading to tooth sensitivity. Also, when brushing your teeth, ensure you use the right technique. Moreover, consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash at least twice a day to obtain fresh breath.
Consume a healthy diet and drink lots of water
One of the most common ways to jump ahead of dental troubles is to consume a healthy diet. Sugary foods lead to the formation of plaque which in turn leads to dental decay. On the flip side, acidic foods can lead to the wearing out of the enamel. So, always rinse your mouth with clean water after drinking coffee or tea. Do the same when you consume sugary foods to prevent harmful sugars stay in your saliva. When you are trying to improve your oral health, it would be best to consume fruits, vegetables, among other healthy foodstuffs. Not only are these foods good for your dental health but also your overall health.
Does drinking water protect you from cavities?
Water is important for your body. Health experts advise staying hydrated at all times. Drinking water that contains fluoride can help in strengthening your teeth, hence protecting you from cavities. Also, drinking water rinses your mouth after eating sugary or acidic foods. Thus, drink water frequently throughout the day.
Floss your teeth
At times, a normal toothbrush is not enough to get rid of all dirt particles in between your teeth. Fortunately, flossing your teeth helps you remove all food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth and gumline. It is therefore important to floss your teeth at least once a day. When flossing, take your time and be thorough. You can floss before or after cleaning your teeth; it all depends on what you want.
Stop smoking
Smoking harms not only your respiratory health but also your dental health. Tobacco consumption poses a great danger to the teeth and gums. More often than not, individuals think that smoking only causes teeth discoloration. But the harm goes further than that. Smoking leads to tooth loss, gum diseases, and oral cancer. If you are a smoking addict, consider getting help from a professional. They will advise you best on how to quit smoking.
Regular dental examinations / checkups
It would be best if you went for dental checkups at least twice a year. Dental checkups enable you to identify and treat dental problems early enough before they escalate. During a dental checkup, your dentist performs a thorough examination of your teeth. Here, they will identify signs of decay or caries. Then, they will advise you on the best way forward. Moreover, consider undergoing a professional tooth cleaning procedure at least once a year. Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque from all the hard-to-reach areas and makes your teeth appear whiter.
Conclusion
Dental troubles are increasingly becoming popular among a majority of homeowners. Luckily, you can jump ahead of dental troubles by observing certain oral practices. Some of them include brushing your teeth, undergoing dental examinations, flossing, and eating a healthy diet. At the end of the day, you have to take responsibility for your oral health.
