Our teeth serve many roles in our lives; they allow us to chew our food, speak clearly, and show off a beautiful smile. But these are not the only reasons to take excellent care of your teeth and gums. Untreated gum disease can result in overall oral health issues, such as heart disease. Those with poor oral health are also more likely to suffer from diabetes, pneumonia, and high blood pressure.
In this blog post, our team at Saby Dental provides you with tips to ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy.
#1 Brush Your Teeth Two Times a Day
Most of us already know this tip: brush your teeth two times a day, preferably once in the morning and once at night. Why should we do this? Whenever we eat, the residue from our food combines with our saliva to form plaque, which is a clear, sticky substance that builds up on your teeth. If you do not brush your teeth enough, then the bacteria in this plaque will break down your tooth enamel and cause cavities.
#2 Floss Before Brushing
Most people know that brushing and flossing go hand-in-hand, but have you ever wondered which one should come first? Our expert in gum disease in Red Deer suggests that you floss first. Flossing serves two purposes: dislodging food trapped between teeth and ridding your gum line of plaque. Flossing first will ensure that you get rid of all the harmful bacteria in your mouth.
#3 Use the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
If you have recently looked for a toothbrush, you have definitely noticed how many choices there are on the market and how difficult it can be to choose the correct one. Hard bristles? Soft? Straight or angled? Manual or electric? The most important part about choosing the right toothbrush is the bristles; you should always opt for soft bristles.
Almost as overwhelming as the choice between toothbrushes is the choice between toothpaste. For adults, our dentist near you suggests a simple fluoride toothpaste. For children, use a children’s toothpaste with low levels of fluoride.
#4 Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
If you have ever complained about how the yummiest foods have the worst effects, you aren’t wrong. Foods and beverages that contain acids and sugars can cause a lot of harm to your teeth and gums. This doesn’t mean that you have to completely cut these substances out of your life, but you should only consume them in moderation. Our dentist in Red Deer encourages you to avoid brushing your teeth immediately after having a sugary snack because your enamel will be soft and prone to damage.
Instead, wait about an hour to give your enamel some time to harden back up.
#5 Visit a Dentist Regularly
It is important to visit a dental clinic in Red Deer at least once every six months for a professional dental cleaning and checkup. It is much cheaper to prevent dental problems than it is to fix problems that may come up from lack of dental care. At Saby Dental, we offer a full range of preventive dental services, so please do not hesitate to contact our team of dedicated dental professionals to book an appointment today!