Dental care in Etobicoke should be an essential service from a very early age, through childhood, the teenage years and throughout adulthood. With the proper oral healthcare and a healthy diet, the same teeth you get as a youth can withstand the test of time and the rest of your life.
Tooth decay is the number one oral issue that can cause pain, infection, and even loss of permanent teeth. Without regular and proper cleaning, the bacteria found in the mouth can damage the enamel of a tooth with harmful acids.
There are, however, some easy solutions to protect the health and longevity of all your teeth. In this article, we will discuss key steps to ensure your smile and overall dental health will last a lifetime.
1. Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride just happens to be the most abundant element on the earth. It is released into the natural water sources and into the air. Our tap water in some cities doesn’t provide sufficient fluoride levels, so it is vital to use fluoride toothpaste to compensate.
2. Make It a Habit of Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day
In addition to brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, brushing your teeth at least twice daily can help reduce the need for visits to an emergency dental clinic. There are no set guidelines as to when the best time of day is to brush your teeth, but it is recommended that one of these times is to brush before bedtime. Whenever you choose to brush, wait for 30 minutes after mealtimes to allow the salvia to neutralize the acid from food and beverages.
3. Floss Your Teeth Regularly After Brushing
Flossing the teeth helps to remove tiny food particles caught between the teeth while removing any plaque. Floss when you brush your teeth, with bedtime being the most important time of the day to floss. If flossing seems to be a hard habit to start, consider carrying floss to use throughout the day. Floss while watching tv or even when enjoying some downtime.
4. Use Mouthwash Daily
Did you know that mouthwash does more than freshen your breath? Use an antibacterial mouthwash to remove any bacteria to fight tooth decay. It can help reduce plaque and harmful bacteria that leads to enamel damage and gingivitis. Look for mouthwash containing fluoride to promote good oral health.
5. Consume Less Sugary Foods & Drinks
One of the biggest tips from family dentists is to reduce the number of sugary foods and beverages you consume daily. Sugar quickly interacts with existing bacteria and salvia to produce acid which dissolves the outer enamel of the tooth. Avoid snacking on candy, sugary cereal, desserts and canned foods high in sugar content. Reduce habitual consumption of pop, sports drinks and sweetened juices, teas and coffees when adding sugar.
6. Drink Cold Drinks with a Straw
For some, quitting pop and other sweet drinks cold turkey can be difficult, not to mention cause severe headaches and other physical withdrawals. You can enjoy an occasional sweet drink with the use of a straw to reduce the number of harmful additives that stick to your teeth.
7. Always Drink Water After Eating
Just as brushing 30 minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay, drinking water after eating can help wash away any remaining food particles and bacteria. This includes neutralizing any acidity in the mouth. Skip the bottled water and drink tap water containing fluoride to provide an extra protection to the teeth. Drinking water on a regular basis can also prevent dry mouth which can lead to tooth decay.
8. Eat More Raw Vegetables & Fresh Fruits
Satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh berries! While they can leave stains on your teeth (which can be minimized by rinsing with water), they have anthocyanins that help prevent pathogens from attaching to the enamel. Enjoy carrots, celery, apples, and other raw fruits and vegetables to increase salvia which neutralizes acids.
9. Include More Calcium in Your Diet
Calcium is one of the inorganic minerals that form our teeth. Blood vessels, nerves, phosphorus and minerals work together to keep the teeth strong and healthy. Boost the strength of your teeth by consuming foods enriched with high amount of calcium. Dentists suggest choosing dark leafy green vegetables, canned salmon, fortified beverages, and dairy products.
10. Improve Your Oral Environment
Take some steps to improve your oral environment. Boost your salvia production by consuming bananas, brussels sprouts, peas, seafood, and whole grains. Green tea contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to reduce oral bacteria growth. Rinsing with aloe vera drinks also helps to lower harmful bacteria from forming.
11. Take Supplements & Tablets
Supplements help to promote good physical, mental, and emotional health, including the health of our teeth. Vitamin D supports the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Increase your intake of Vitamin C to strengthen your gum tissues . Don’t forget about boosting the essential Vitamin A to support the enamel component of keratin.
12. Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
From a very young age we have been told regular dental care treatments can help protect our teeth and overall physical health. Having regularly scheduled cleanings and checkups is the greatest line of defense to avoid tooth decay. All the brushing and flossing in the world at home cannot remove 100% of the plaque and tartar build-up that leads to tooth damage.
Looking for a Dentist in Etobicoke? Get Professional Treatment at Princeview Dental Group!
Get your teeth treated by the staff at Princeview Dental Group. For more than 30 years, our dedicated team has been providing general dental services, cosmetic dentistry and emergency dental care services in Etobicoke. Please visit us at our brand new dental office under The Crooked Cue Pub and Restaurant at address, 3052 Bloor Street West, just west of Royal York Road on the north side or contact us today for a consultation.
