Your adult teeth start pushing their way into your mouth from the age of six. In the process, your baby teeth fall out and this is usually quite exciting for children as they await the tooth fairy. However, this is also the start of your lifelong dental care routine. Adopting a routine from when you are young will help to ensure your teeth stay healthy and last you into old age.
There are several things that you should include in a basic dental care routine:
Your Dentist
You should choose a reputable dentist in your area, such as this Alexandria dentist. You can then make an appointment and see them at least once a year. In most cases this is sufficient but the dentist will tell you if you need more visits.
Seeing a dentist regularly means that any issues will be picked up early, helping them to be treated with the minimum of fuss. If you don’t have them treated promptly then they will progress into something more serious. For example, a cavity can be filled when it is small but, if left, it can become more serious and lead to infection, root canal, and even tooth loss.
Brushing Your Teeth
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush your teeth you should be doing it for at least two minutes and make sure you brush all your teeth thoroughly. It is best to hold your toothbrush with your forefinger and thumb only, this will help to ensure you are not placing too much pressure on your teeth.
It s also a good idea to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before you brush them. When you eat the sugar in food reacts with the bacteria already in your mouth. The by-product of this is acid, which attacks the enamel on your teeth. If you brush your teeth too soon after eating you will brush this acid into your teeth, potentially doing more harm. That is why it is best to wait thirty minutes or rinse your mouth with water before brushing.
Flossing
Flossing removes debris and plaque from between your teeth, reducing the likelihood of tooth issues. You need to lower the floss gently between your teeth and then slide it up each side of your teeth.
Drink Fluoride
For many years fluoride has been added to tap water to help boost bone and teeth strength. However, an increasing number of people are using water filters that remove fluoride and calcium from the water.
As both these elements are good for your tooth and bone strength, it is a good idea to make sure you are getting enough of them. That can be by drinking fluoridated water or by taking a supplement. Either is beneficial to your tooth health.
If you adopt the above simple habits you will find that your teeth are likely to last you into old age. The key is in having regular dental checkups as these catch issues early and help you to resolve them. Just make sure you choose a dentist you can trust.
