Besides visiting your dentist on a regular basis, you'll want to follow the steps to dental health that he reviews at the end of each visit.
At each appointment your dentist will review the steps to proper dental health. If you wish to keep your teeth in great shape for the rest of your life (and avoid dentures during your old age!),
you'd better follow his advice!
Keeping Your Teeth Healthy
Brush your teeth at least twice a day - Using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush which has been replaced within the past three to four months. It's best to replace your toothbrush at least three or four times a year since a worn toothbrush with frayed bristles fails to clean your teeth as thoroughly as a new brush with strong bristles.
Use dental floss to clean between your teeth - Floss or an interdental cleaner will remove any plaque left between your teeth and at the gum line. The bacteria left after brushing can cause plaque and gingivitis which may lead to periodontal gum disease.
Eat a well-rounded diet - Eating a diet rich in fresh foods, nutrient packed meals and a few healthy snacks will also help keep your teeth strong. The sugar in junk food is one of the worst enemies to your teeth, so limit your consumption of sugary snacks and desserts.
Schedule a dental appointment every six months - Keeping up with your dental appointments will ensure that your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and screened for cavities or other problems on a regular basis. Find a dentist that you like and will trust with your dental health for a long time! In addition to checking your teeth, he'll be able to recommend toothpastes and fluoride rinses that will best clean your teeth, gums and the rest of your mouth.
Keeping Your Children's Teeth Healthy
Children need regular dental care as soon as those first teeth pop through their gums. Not only will this acclimate them to the office environment, sitting in the chair and having someone else clean their teeth, but it will also allow the dentist to find potential problems before they develop. It's best to take children to a pediatric dental office, since the staff are specifically trained to work with children of all ages.
Besides brushing (and flossing, depending on your child's age), there are a few extra steps when caring for your child's teeth:
Age appropriate care - Even before your child's teeth pop through the gum line, you'll want to wipe the gums with a damp cloth after every feeding. This prevents bacteria or plaque from adhering to the gums and causing problems as the teeth erupt. After the first tooth pops through, use a small baby toothbrush and water to brush at least twice a day. Once your child is over two years old and able to spit out toothpaste, your dentist may recommend using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste at teeth brushing time.
Don't allow your baby to go to bed with a bottle of juice or formula - If your child needs a drink during the night, it's best to place a bottle or sippy cup of water nearby. Juice and formula contain sugar that will cause tooth decay when allowed to sit on teeth all night.
Establishing good dental habits in your own and in your children's lives is one of the best gifts you can give your family - healthy teeth for years to come!
