Good dental health means good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. Several schemes are in place to encourage these check-ups.
The essentials you need to know:
- Good oral hygiene is essential for good dental health
- Good oral hygiene does not exempt you from an annual visit to the dentist.
- Good oral hygiene begins at the age of 3.
Adulthood and permanent teeth
Adult teeth are also known as permanent teeth. They grow in after the baby’s teeth have fallen out. Permanent teeth are made to last a lifetime, provided you protect them.
But beware: teeth are your life’s capital and must always be protected. They’re like jewelry pieces: when you have them, you care for them. When it comes to your teeth, it is recommended that you pay attention to a whole host of factors that will make all the difference to their longevity.
Unlike previous generations, we can keep our teeth for life with good dental hygiene, proper dental care, and a healthy lifestyle. Dental floss and interdental brushes will also help to keep interdental spaces as clean as possible.
Prevention is better than cure for teeth- 10 tips to keep your teeth for life.
Any dentist would agree that good oral hygiene is the key to a clean, healthy mouth. It is possible to keep your teeth for life, even if you live to be 100!… Here are ten tips to help you protect your teeth, take care of them, and protect them.
Advice from your dentist on how to preserve your teeth and prevent them from breaking:
- Eat a balanced diet
Plenty of tips for better health begin with eating right. Our teeth chop and grind the food we eat, so eating a balanced diet is essential to protect them.
- Avoid snacking and sugary foods
Nibbling and sugary foods create an oral environment conducive to tartar and dental caries.
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes, using the proper brushing technique
Good brushing is essential to preserve the life of your teeth.
- Choosing fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride helps protect your teeth for longer. Fluoride fortifies your teeth.
- Visit your dentist at least once a year
It’s essential to visit your dentist regularly to check for the onset of tooth decay and to have your teeth scaled. Regular check-ups can, for example, lead to a crown being placed on a devitalized living tooth that is no more than a filling.
- Never postpone dental treatment. Do it as soon as possible
The longer you delay seeking treatment, the more problems you may encounter and the more treatment you may need. To limit the cost and amount of dental care required, visiting your dentist every six months is essential.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol influence dental erosion, tooth yellowing, and periodontal problems. Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for oral cancer, and the combination of tobacco and alcohol significantly increases this risk.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools and avoid tooth-damaging habits such as nail biting.
Protect your teeth by not taking unnecessary risks, such as opening a packet with your teeth, biting your nails, or doing the daredevil stunt of opening a beer bottle with your teeth. All these damages your pearly whites.
- Take any bleeding gums seriously by making an appointment with your dentist.
Most tooth loss is due to periodontal disease, the first sign of which is bleeding gums due to gingivitis. It’s not normal to have bleeding gums when brushing your teeth or eating food.
- If you’re (already) missing a tooth, you need to have it replaced with a dental implant as soon as possible.
A dental implant is the most durable solution for replacing a tooth.
If, despite this advice, you experience dental pain in one or more teeth, it is essential to consult your dentist to treat your dental emergency.
Keeping your teeth for life is a goal. Thanks to your dentist, you can make your teeth more beautiful through orthodontics and smile aesthetics (teeth whitening and dental veneers) and avoid being toothless if you’ve lost one or more teeth.
Your dentist would be able to give you valuable advice on how to keep your teeth for life, starting with these three insights:
- How orthodontics can help in cases of misalignment or malposition of the teeth
- The benefits of aesthetic dentistry, with teeth whitening and veneers if your teeth are yellow or unattractive
- The benefits of dental prostheses or dental implants for teeth lost over time.
Nutrition and oral health
A balanced diet plays a crucial role in oral health. Here’s how food choices can influence your oral health:
Impact of sugars and carbohydrates:
- Foods rich in sugars and carbohydrates promote the growth of bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
- Limit candy, soda, and other sweet snacks to prevent cavities.
The role of calcium-rich foods:
- Calcium is essential for strengthening teeth and bones.
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are good sources of tooth-friendly calcium.
The importance of crunchy fruit and vegetables:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery can help clean teeth by stimulating saliva production.
- Chewing these foods can also help remove food particles and prevent plaque build-up.
Finally, our family dentist in Dover, NH recommended this advice for the little ones and their developing teeth:
If you are a parent, here’s a quick “How to brush properly” with some valuable tips:
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day for at least 2 minutes
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect gums and tooth enamel
- Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay
- Brush your tongue and rinse your mouth thoroughly
- Clean your toothbrush thoroughly before storing it
Parents can also use this description to guide their child’s dental health. Of course, they should adapt it to their child’s maturity. And don’t forget to choose a toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride levels appropriate to the child’s age.
Up to 30% of six-year-olds have at least one cavity, and 80% do not consult a dental surgeon. Therefore, it’s also a good idea to find a way for your child to brush for 2 minutes. This is the time needed for the fluoride to take effect. You can use an hourglass or play a song or nursery rhyme.