(StatePoint) Regular dental visits are important for a healthy smile, but you can take these steps between checkups to ensure your dentist sees your oral health at its best.
1. Brush up on your dental routine. “A consistent routine of brushing and cleaning between your teeth is essential,” said American Dental Association (ADA) dentist, Mirissa Price, D.M.D. “My patients often ask me, do I really need to floss if I’m brushing regularly? The answer is always yes.”
The ADA recommends brushing twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste to remove cavity-causing plaque and help prevent harmful conditions like gum disease. A worn toothbrush won’t clean as effectively, so replace the brush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Yet, even the best toothbrush can’t fully reach all the spaces where plaque forms. That’s why the ADA also recommends cleaning between your teeth daily using dental floss, dental picks or water flossers. “If you floss thoroughly, it doesn’t matter when you do it,” added Dr. Price. “It might feel strange at first, but your gums will get used to the routine quickly if you make this a daily habit.”
Make sure your toothbrush, toothpaste and floss each have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That’s how you know a dental product is safe and effective.
2. Skip the spoonful of sugar. “I’m a dentist but I still enjoy a cupcake now and then, so it’s not about cutting out sugar completely,” said ADA dentist, Erinne Kennedy, D.M.D. “Rather it's the small changes, like choosing fresh fruit instead of juice or eating a snack that balances protein and carbohydrates, such as whole wheat toast and cottage cheese, that can go a long way to protect your teeth.”
Plaque bacteria use the sugar you consume to produce acids that attack the hard surfaces of teeth, leading to tooth decay. To help reduce the amount of sugar in your diet, read the nutrition facts on foods and beverages, and choose options that are lowest in sugar. Look for terms ending in “-ose,” which indicate a sugar ingredient.
It’s important to distinguish between natural and added sugars. Natural sugars, found in healthy options like fresh fruit and milk, do not carry the same health risks as added sugars often found in processed options like snacks and juices. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends limiting added sugars to less than 10% of your total calories for the day. A nutritious, balanced diet that’s low in sugar is beneficial for your teeth and your whole body.
3. Nix the nicotine. “Despite the influx of nicotine products claiming to be better for you, there is no such thing as ‘good for you’ nicotine or a safe amount of nicotine,” said Dr. Kennedy. “All products pose risks to your dental and overall health, whether you’re a habitual or casual user.”
When you smoke, your saliva flow is reduced, which changes the natural process inside your mouth that helps clear away cavity-causing bacteria. Meanwhile, the chemicals in tobacco can irritate your gums and the lining of your mouth, which can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss. Smoking can also cause life-threatening cancers of the mouth, throat, tongue or jaw. And smokeless doesn’t mean harmless – smoke-free tobacco products have been linked with these same issues.
E-cigarettes, also known as "vapes,” come with their own risks. Researchers have found harmful materials in vape cartridges, including chemicals known to cause cancer, heavy metals and sugar for flavorings that may contribute to cavity formation. Using a high heat setting can turn the smoke more yellow and make it stick to your teeth longer, which could result in tooth discoloration. “Quitting nicotine now will help you lead a healthier life,” added Dr. Kennedy.
For more dental health resources from the ADA, visit MouthHealthy.org/dentalcare .
“It’s a matter of taking habits that may cost you in the long run off ‘autopilot’ and incorporating healthy habits that then become second nature,” said Dr. Price.
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Photo Credit: (c) Ridofranz / iStock via Getty Images Plus
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