With the right amount of preventive dentistry, you can save yourself from experiencing severe dental problems, pain, and expensive treatments down the line. Fortunately, staying on top of preventive dentistry is easy once you incorporate it into your everyday life. Here are 10 preventive dentistry tips to keep your smile happy long-term!
1. Floss Once Per Day
One of the easiest and most important preventive dentistry tips you should incorporate into your daily life is flossing once per day. Flossing is important for removing debris, bacteria, and plaque from between your teeth and underneath your gum line. It helps prevent both cavities and gum disease.
We recommend flossing before you brush your teeth at night. The reason you should floss before you brush your teeth is that your toothbrush will help remove all the gunk that was leftover from flossing. Flossing before you brush your teeth before bed will ensure you go to sleep with the cleanest teeth possible and no bacteria has time to settle in your mouth while you sleep.
2. Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily
Another one of the easiest and most important preventive dentistry tips you should incorporate into your daily life is brushing your teeth twice a day. Brush your teeth in the morning to get rid of that morning breath and at night to get rid of all the debris, bacteria, and plaque that accumulated throughout the day. Never go to bed without brushing your teeth or you put yourself at a higher risk for cavities and gum disease.
3. Change Your Toothbrush Every Three Months
Toothbrushes don’t last forever. Over time, they will get worn out and no longer effectively clean your teeth. Bacteria can also accumulate on your toothbrush. Every three months, make sure to change your toothbrush or toothbrush head. Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.
4. Don’t Skip Dental Exams and Cleanings
At the very least, you should be visiting your Naples dentist at Massa Dental Center regularly for a dental cleaning and exam. During these appointments, we will remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth and beneath the gum line, and examine your mouth to look for any dental problems. If we notice any, we will recommend the necessary treatments to help your oral health return to normal.
5. Get Dental Treatments When You Need Them
Another important preventive dentistry tip is getting dental treatments as soon as you need them. This means not putting off a simple filling for a year only to then require a root canal. The longer you let dental problems go untreated, the more damage and pain they can do. It can also result in needing more invasive and expensive procedures.
6. Straighten Your Teeth
Straight teeth aren’t just for show, they also help enhance your dental health. When you have crooked, gapped, crowded, or misaligned teeth, it becomes easier for food, plaque, and bacteria to accumulate in the hard-to-reach areas. The plaque can then harden into tartar which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Not to mention, a misaligned bite can contribute to jaw pain and TMJ disorders. By straightening your teeth with an orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, you can prevent serious dental problems and enjoy a better-looking smile.
7. Put an End to Clenching and Grinding
If you wake up with jaw pain or headaches, there’s a good chance you’re grinding your teeth at night. Clenching and grinding can cause cracks or chips in your teeth, as well as significant wear. Over time, you may require dental crowns and/or porcelain veneers to restore your teeth back to their healthy height. If you think you clench or grind your teeth at night, we recommend talking to one of our TMJ dentists in Naples for an evaluation. We will provide you with the necessary treatment to prevent further damage.
8. Wear Your Appliances
Another easy preventive dentistry tip you can include in your daily life is wearing your appliances. If your dentist has recommended that you wear a retainer, oral orthotic/splint, oral appliance, mouth guard, or another type of appliance, make sure you follow their directions. These appliances are meant to protect your teeth and benefit your overall health.
9. Drink Water
Water is essential for washing bacteria from your mouth. When you suffer from a dry mouth or chug sugary drinks all day, plaque and bacteria remain on your teeth. Stay hydrated and make sure to consume at least eight glasses of water throughout the day.
10. Consume Less Sugar
If you start reading food labels, you will find that most processed foods contain added sugar. Whether you’re consuming fruit or a piece of cake, sugar can cause plaque on your teeth. Cutting down on your sugar intake can help prevent plaque buildup. It can also benefit your overall health. The American Heart Association recommends that women do not consume more than 100 calories or 25 grams of sugar per day. Men should not consume more than 150 calories or 37.5 grams of added sugar per day.
Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment in Naples
With these preventive dentistry tips, you can achieve and maintain a healthy smile. If you’re overdue for a dental cleaning, suffer from clenching and grinding, or need a dental treatment of any kind, please schedule an appointment at Massa Dental Center today. Give us a call at (239) 597-7333 to book your appointment.
