Did you know that February is Dental Health Month? In honor of the occasion, we wanted to share some simple steps you can take that will make a big difference in helping to protect your smile and your health year round.
Brush and floss your teeth daily
To keep your teeth clean and healthy, brush at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. If you are really good, brush three times a day, after each meal. Brushing and flossing are easy ways for you to prevent tooth decay, keep your gums healthy and help keep your teeth clean and white. Use only soft bristle brushes and angle the brush at the gum line moving the brush in a gentle circular motion. Get all the way back to the back teeth on the tongue, cheek, and biting surfaces. Floss on both sides of the teeth in between the teeth. Practicing preventative daily care will also avoid the need for costly dental care.
Think about what you are eating and drinking
Your diet can impact your dental health. Everyone knows that candy, sugary gum and other treats aren’t healthy choices, but when it comes to your teeth the most damage can come from sipping sodas, energy drinks, and juices all day long. Sip water instead, and fill the recommended “eight- eight ounces a day”. Drink the sodas with meals, if you must, to avoid the constant attack of sugar throughout the day.
Visit your dentist twice a year
While you may have to pay out of pocket for dental exams, x-rays, and cleanings, those twice a year appointments with your hygienist can actually save you money in the long run. When you schedule those appointments, ask to have a fluoride treatment . Adults benefit from having fluoride as much as children do. It helps in preventing new and recurrent decay around old fillings and the sensitivity we may develop as we get older. Fluoride really does strengthen the teeth, it’s a fact.
Skip the late night snacks
If you have brushed your teeth, do not sneak back into the kitchen to satisfy that late night craving or rumbling tummy. This will not only make you fat, it will completely undo the benefits of your earlier evening brushing.
Remember your teeth are not tools
Your teeth are meant for chewing food. They are not for opening packages, closing small metal objects, biting off tags from new clothes, or opening a beer. Eventually, you will damage a tooth or teeth and find yourself in need of some serious repair.
There is a reason our mothers tell us to brush our teeth every day. Daily care and prevention makes a significant impact on keeping teeth healthy and strong and protecting our overall health and well-being. Ignoring proper dental care and avoiding the dentist only leads to things like tooth loss, increased health problems and expenses. So think about investing in a new tooth brush, buying some dental floss and practicing preventative dental habits, so your smile can be a lasting one.