Eight minutes — that’s about all the time it should take you each day to care for your teeth in a way that helps to prevent decay as much as possible. At Dahlquist Dental, Drs. Carl and Ryan Dahlquist emphasize preventive care to help you keep your teeth as healthy as possible. Using these tips for your entire family can keep everyone smiling.
1. Stick to the Basics
Excellent dental care requires three basic tools: a toothbrush, a fluoride-containing toothpaste (typically one that’s American Dental Association-approved) and dental floss. While fancy toothbrush options are available, these basics — and using them properly — are truly enough to keep your teeth clean.
2. Get a Timer
Simply brushing your teeth for 30 seconds is likely not enough to free harmful bacteria and food particles from your teeth. Instead, you should aim to brush for at least two minutes. If you have children or would simply benefit from a sound reminder, consider getting a timer, such as an egg timer, that can be purchased at most discount superstores or cooking stores. Kids typically enjoy racing against the clock, and may even enjoy the tooth-brushing experience more.
3. Make Regular Dentist Appointments
While if you follow the basics, you will be able to get most of the harmful material off your teeth, a small amount of hardened, built-up plaque is likely to remain. However, trips to Dahlquist Dental office can help. The Doctors and their staff use special tools to remove this plaque. They also offer tooth-strengthening fluoride treatments and can evaluate your teeth for early signs of decay. While the Doctors typical recommendation is visiting his office every six months, some patients who have a significant history of tooth decay may need to visit more often.
4. Know the Signs
Sometimes the signs of tooth decay aren’t as simple as a toothache (although that can certainly be a symptom as well). Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, increased sensitivity to hot and cold and even unexplained headaches can be subtle symptoms of tooth decay. If you have these symptoms, contact our Blue Springs, MO family dentist office.
5. Eat a Tooth-Friendly Diet
Key nutrients, such as calcium, are vital to building and maintaining healthy teeth. In addition to dairy products, calcium is found in leafy greens and fortified orange juice. While calcium can work for you when it comes to your teeth, sweets and sugary sodas can work against you. These sugars stick on your teeth, waiting for harmful bacteria to come and gobble them up. Whenever possible, seek out healthier options for your family.
Thank you for visiting the blog of Dahlquist Dental. To make an appointment for dental services, please call our office at (816) 228-7176 or click here.