Although every patient’s needs are unique, there are a few basic oral health practices that everybody can follow that will not only make your dentist proud, but also make your mouth and pocketbook happy by preventing future dental problems. Because we value our values here at Wildflower Dental and Orthodontics, we’ve put together a handy listicle of five things you can do to have terrific oral health!

1. Brush Teeth Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste

Brush your teeth using a toothbrush with soft bristles, and replace your old toothbrush every three to four months, and after you’ve been sick. There are many non-fluoride toothpastes on the market now, but the American Dental Association and our team still highly recommend using fluoridated toothpaste to help combat tooth decay. Fluoride reduces the ability of plaque bacteria to generate enamel-destroying acids. In addition, fluoride remineralizes those areas on teeth affected by demineralization and early decay.

2. Floss Daily

Cleaning between teeth removes plaque from the areas where a toothbrush can’t reach. Otherwise, this plaque could lead to bad breath, decay, and gum disease. With so many different flossing options to suit your preferences, there’s really no excuse not to floss! There is traditional string floss, ribbon-shaped dental tape that comes in various minty flavors, small plastic tools called floss picks with a curved end that holds a piece of dental floss so you don’t have to wrap the floss around your fingers, and even electric water flossers.

3. Limit Sugary Beverages & Snacks

Tooth-destroying acids released by the combination of sugar and bacteria cause cavities. So do your best to limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and to drink plenty of water when you do indulge. Fill your diet with nutritious, tooth-friendly and tooth-strengthening foods, like leafy greens, beans, nuts, whole grains, and whole fresh fruits. Fortunately, there are also numerous sugar substitutes which do not react with bacteria to produce cavity-causing acid. They are readily available under various brand names, including Sweet’N Low, Splenda, Nutrasweet, Equal, Truvia, and many others.

4. Don’t Use Tobacco

Using tobacco in any form greatly increases your chance of getting gum disease and oral cancer. In fact, smokers are twice as likely to get gum disease as non-smokers. Tobacco use weakens the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infection. The more often and the longer you smoke or chew tobacco, the greater your risk for gum disease. If you are a tobacco user, start your journey today to quit!

5. Get Regular Dental Checkups

Professional dental care is a crucial component of your overall oral hygiene. At your dental cleaning, we’ll remove plaque, tartar, and other irritants from your teeth to freshen your breath, protect your gums, and improve your oral health. Scheduling this simple procedure only twice a year may prevent the need for costly dental treatments later!