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Dental Care Tips For A Healthier Smile

You only get one set of teeth in life, so it’s very important to take good care of them. Even if you regularly see your dentist for cleanings, most of the work to keep your teeth healthy happens at home. Here are some basic dental care tips from the staff at Eriks Dental Group to help keep your smile in good condition for years to come:

Brush Every Day

Twice a day, every day is best when it comes to brushing your teeth. Make it the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do before going to bed. Brushing your teeth removes leftover food particles before they turn to plaque, which can lead to cavities. Plaque buildup feeds bacteria that can also lead to gum disease and tooth decay, so make sure you brush every single tooth – and gently brush your gums too.

Use An Electric Toothbrush

While we’re on the subject of teeth brushing, we recommend using an electric toothbrush for daily use. A quality one is an investment, but it will pay for itself in time. Electric toothbrushes gently massage your teeth and gums, which is more effective at cleaning away plaque and tartar.

Don’t Forget To Floss

Regular teeth brushing is good, but flossing is the final touch that can get food particles out of places your brush can’t reach. Not flossing could result in tooth decay down the road, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Yes, we know that flossing can be tedious, but we promise that the extra effort is worth it.

Use Toothpaste With Fluoride

Fluoride is an ingredient added to many kinds of toothpaste that helps strengthen tooth enamel. Long-term use can help reverse the early effects of tooth decay.

Limit Your Sugar Intake

Bacteria thrives on sugar, especially in the form of sodas, candy, and other sugary snacks. Save these treats for special occasions or consume them sparingly, if you do enjoy a sugary drink or snack, be sure to brush well afterwards.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits will preserve your oral health for years to come. Your dentist can recognize early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems, long before they start to cause you pain or inconvenience.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Water helps produce saliva, which helps wash away oral bacteria and food particles, which keeps your mouth healthy. So drink up!

Don’t Forget To Brush Your Tongue

Did you know that the bacteria which causes bad breath loves camping out on your tongue? Enjoy fresher breath by running your toothbrush over your tongue for a few seconds while brushing your teeth.

Avoid Chewing Hard Items

For many of us, chewing on pen caps or other objects is a stress reliever. We may not even realize we’re doing it! But doing this long-term can cause damage to your teeth. Opt for some sugar-free gum instead.

Quit Smoking

In addition to increasing your risk of lung cancer, regular smoking can damage and yellow your teeth – not to mention worsening your breath. Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter options to help you quit: chewing gum, patches, etc.

Take Care Of Your Toothbrush

You don’t need to do anything special with your toothbrush, but pay attention to the condition of the bristles. The CDC recommends changing your brush every three or four months, or whenever the bristles start to look frayed. A worn-out brush won’t be as effective at cleaning plaque.

Dental Care In South Florida

Looking for a dentist in Boynton Beach? Eriks Dental Group offers many dental care services, from teeth whitening to dental fillings and much more. Call today at 561-733-4004 to schedule an appointment.