8. Brushing your teeth using the “Rule of 2’s.” Twice a day, for two minutes and some find that brushing is done easier if you try to focus on 2 teeth at a time.
7. Flossing Daily! A lot of people think it is okay to skip flossing, but this is not at all true. The key to healthy teeth is healthy gums, and most cavities are in between the teeth! By flossing 40% of the bacteria and plaque on your teeth is eliminated!
6. Avoiding tobacco products! Using tobacco products leads to gum disease because it affects the attachment of your bone and soft tissue to your teeth.
5. Chewing sugar free gum! Read one of our previous blog posts to see the details of this healthy habit. https://drpinkston.wordpress.com/2014/10/07/the-benefits-of-chewing-gum-ada/
4. Avoiding candy, while we all enjoy a treat every now and then, it’s best to avoid eating small treats every day. Candy (especially sticky or gummy candies) get stuck in and between our teeth and can sit there for long periods of time, which causes decay and eventually cavities.
3. Avoiding sugary drinks, soda, juices and energy drinks are the culprit of a lot of dental problems. It is best to avoid them when possible.
2. Regular cleanings and exams! It is imperative to go to the dentist at least once every 6 months. Cleanings and exams are called preventative treatment. Simply said, cleanings prevent things like cavities and decay from happening, and even though it does still happen, the earlier problems are caught the easier they are to fix!
1. If you do have an issue come up, get it resolved as quickly as possible! Decay doesn’t stay unchanging; cavities grow with time. Something that starts out as a small filling will quickly turn into needing a crown and root canal if it goes untouched. If the dentist recommends treatment please get it done quickly to keep your smile bright and healthy!