Nobody likes getting a cavity. Food doesn’t taste the same, candy is no longer sweet, and decay surrounding the tooth grows more painful over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among children ages six to nine. In more serious cases, the affected tooth may require oral surgery to repair.
At Rominger Dental, we love seeing all of our smiling patients, so here are three helpful tips to keep your smile glowing and teeth pearly white.
Tip 1: Brush Your Teeth
At the top of any dental care post should be these words in bold print: MUST BRUSH YOUR TEETH. Most bacterial infections and buildup in the mouth can be prevented by regular brushing of individual teeth and gums. The recommended amount of brushes is twice a day, accompanied by one thorough flossing.
Even babies can sustain tooth decay through sugars in their juice, formula, or milk that stay on a baby’s teeth for hours. Build-up from various foods and drinks eat away at the enamel resulting in the wearing away of baby teeth and gum damage.
You should brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, which should reach every region of the mouth with ease. We recommend replacing the toothbrush every three or four months, especially if the bristles are frayed, and using ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Taking these daily precautions will ensure the longevity of your smile and the overall health of the teeth.
Tip 2: Regular Dental Visits
Another way to ensure the longevity of any smile is to visit the dentist with some regularity.
Dental problems aren’t immediately visible to the naked eye. While cavities can be detected due to pain in eating or daily observations of the teeth, dental examinations specifically address issues of disease through inspections of the mouth and throat, looking for things like decay, plaque, and tartar.
Through routine checkups, we are able to clean your teeth in ways that normal brushing cannot accomplish. These appointments prevent things like tooth decay and cavities while promoting whiter smiles, fresher breath, and good overall mouth health.
Tip 3: Healthy Eating and Drinking
The third tip to happy teeth may come as a surprise. The key to any healthy mouth is a healthy diet. Patients should seek to avoid an abundance of sweets, starchy foods, and sugary drinks, which increase the level of acid-eroding plaque in the mouth. We recommend occasionally swapping these foods out for healthier items, like fruits and vegetables. Crisp fruits and vegetables are dense in water and increase the production of saliva, preventing bacteria from growing on and around the teeth. Regular brushing goes hand in hand with this third tip.
Patients should also drink a plentiful amount of water every day. Water intake flushes bacteria from the mouth and can prevent acid from building up on the teeth.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
At Rominger Dental, our primary goal is to make every single patient feel at ease. We know that no one looks forward to going to the dentist, but we go above and beyond to make your dental experience as pleasant as possible.
With our capable team of dentists, we know just what to do to prevent, manage, and correct dental pain.
Are you in need of dental emergency care? Call us today at (304)842-2375 or schedule a future appointment at romingerdental.com.