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Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But if, for whatever reason, you have to miss an appointment, these proactive steps will help safeguard your oral health until you can get to your dentist.
Make Sure You’re Brushing Correctly
Brush your pearly whites right – twice a day, for two whole minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to make gentle circular motions on the surface of each tooth. Don’t forget your tongue.
Using the wrong brushing technique can lead to the build-up of plaque and debris. This can cause bad breath and other oral problems. Additionally, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled brush may erode tooth enamel and harm your gums.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing every day between your teeth and below your gum line is the best defense you have against gum disease. It helps eliminate disease-causing bacteria in spots that your toothbrush can’t reach. Use aids like a threader or a pick if you have troubling flossing because of braces or dexterity issues.
Switch to A Toothpaste that Contains Fluoride.
To combat tooth decay and strengthen weak spots and exposed roots, brush your teeth daily with a fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. This mineral compound helps slow down the natural breakdown of tooth enamel and increases the rate of the remineralization process.
Drink a Lot of Water
Drinking water cleanses your teeth and mouth. It also neutralizes acids that cause tooth decay and, in some places, is a natural source of fluoride.
Snack Smarter
To reduce the risk of tooth decay, chew sugar-free gum and eat crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, baby carrots, and celery that stimulate the flow of saliva, which naturally cleans and helps neutralize acids in your mouth. Cut down on non-essential dentist appointments by limiting your intake of sugary foods.
While eating the right foods and following the guidelines listed above can go a long way toward improving your oral health, they are not a replacement for regular visits to the dentist. Keep in mind that these tips can only help prevent oral health problems – not tackle them.
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