When you see us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, we help you maintain good oral health. But you also need to take action from home! In today’s blog, your Allen, TX, dentist talks about steps for protecting your teeth and gums, recognizing signs of trouble, and being proactive with your oral hygiene.
Brushing Your Teeth
Everyone benefits from brushing their teeth, from babies and toddlers to kids, teens, and adults. When we brush, we remove trapped food particles to lower the risk of cavities forming. Everyone should do so in the morning and again at night, for at least two minutes each session. For young children, they should use a rice-sized bit of fluoride toothpaste. Older kids and adults should use a pea-sized bit. You can help your younger kids and monitor your older ones to make sure everyone is cleaning their teeth properly. An electric or manual toothbrush works great, as long as you’re taking time to clean your smile for two minutes. For kids, a fun song could help time them and make the process fun. You can find videos on YouTube!
Don’t Forget About Flossing
As soon as there are teeth sitting side by side in a smile, then flossing is essential. You may use a pick to help toddlers and younger kids, and they can use these too because they work well with limited dexterity. Everyone else should use floss tape, taking an 18inch to 20inch length of tape, wrapping each end around one of your thumbs, and holding it tight with your index fingers. Run the tape up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line when you do. You should do this every evening, as it reaches what a brush cannot and can limit the risk of not only cavities, but also gingivitis and gum disease too.
Avoid Harmful Habits
You should also consider better habits, like cutting back on sugar rich foods and drinks and also avoid tobacco products too. Drink more water instead of beverages like fruit juice, sports drinks, energy drinks and other items high in harmful acids and sugars. Healthy habits and foods can help safeguard your smile!
Let Us Know About Changes to Your Smile
If you begin to experience issues like tooth sensitivity and toothaches, you should let us know as this could point to cavities and even the early stages of dental infection. Sore, red, and bleeding gums could also be a sign of trouble, signifying the risk of gingivitis and gum disease. Let us know if you experience this right away!
Talk To Your Allen, TX Dentist About Safeguarding Your Smile
With the right steps at home, your entire family can enjoy their best smiles! To find out more about better habits for protecting teeth and gums, then contact your Allen, TX, dentist, Dr. Torrens-Parker, by calling 469-342-6644.
