No one likes a trip to the dentist, and apart from your regular check-ups and those unavoidable accidents, there is no reason why you should need dental treatment. Follow these handy tips to help you look after your teeth and avoid unnecessary dental visits.
1. Brush twice daily
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it really does make a difference. Brushing twice a day removes plaque and prevents tartar from building up. Plaque is easy to remove with your toothbrush, but tartar can only be removed by a dentist.
Round-headed toothbrushes are best for your teeth as they can access much more of the enamel than rectangular toothbrushes. You’ll also want an electric toothbrush as the vibration removes more plaque than manually brushing does.
2. Flossing
It might seem like flossing’s a massive pain, but it can be the difference between getting cavities or not. No one wants to sit in the dentist’s chair and get a filling, so why not give flossing a go? There are a few different ways of flossing, from water flossers to tape, to string, pick something to test out, and if it doesn’t work for you, try another way before giving up.
Flossing is also great when you’re on the move. No more salad in your teeth from lunch!
3. Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is another excellent way of keeping your mouth happy, clean and fresh. Mouthwash offers many benefits, such as long-lasting cavity protection, gum health, and whiter teeth. In conjunction with a great dental hygiene routine, using mouthwash can make all the difference. Just remember not to consider rinsing your mouth as any kind of substitute for brushing. Mouthwash isn’t going to get the plaque off your teeth on its own.
If you drive, you’ll want to make sure you buy alcohol-free mouthwash, which is available at most supermarkets or pharmacies and costs the same as an alcohol-based mouthwash.
4. Regular Dental Check-Ups
It’s essential to see your dentist regularly, as any dental issues can be picked up earlier, making them easier to treat. If you do get a cavity, you’ll want it spotted and filled as soon as possible before you risk further enamel loss.
Dentists also screen for oral cancer, and missing this could quite literally cost you your life. Sooner is always better, with any medical issue, and dental care is no different.
You can also ask your dentist for advice on dental hygiene at any time. It’s essential to have a great dentist, like your local clinic or Bowralstreetdentalpractice.com.au.
5. Reward Charts
If you’re struggling to get the kids to brush their teeth, consider making a reward chart. You can tick off boxes every time they brush and offer a reward for doing this for a set period. Reward charts even work on teenagers, as you can grow them up a little and offer more relevant rewards. Some ideas for rewards include their choice of film on a Saturday night, getting to choose what’s for dinner, a chore they can skip etc.
Don’t let your dental hygiene land you in the dentist’s chair; follow these easy tips and prevent cavities today.
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