Just like you need food every day for a healthy lifestyle, your teeth need daily care and attention for optimal oral health. This goes beyond regular brushing – you’ll also need some extra steps for you and your family to have that perfect set of pearly whites.
But dental hygiene isn’t just for making your teeth look good, it’s about your overall physical health. Apart from issues like cavities and gum diseases, neglecting your oral health can also impact your overall well-being.
As your family dentist Phoenix, we’ll walk you through five must-do’s for maintaining your oral health. Let’s jump in.
5 Tips for Great Oral Health
From minor lifestyle changes to specific suggestions, following these tips will help you and your family achieve and maintain perfect oral health.
1. Brush Twice A Day, Every Day
You’ve probably heard this a lot, but it’s not without reason. Brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each (known as the 2×2 rule) helps you prevent and get rid of all germs and plaque infections. If you have children, make sure you make this a part of their daily routine. For fussy toddlers, making the process enjoyable goes a long way.
2. Flossing Is As Important as Brushing
If you’re brushing every day, you don’t need to floss, right? Wrong. Flossing helps get out the food particles, germs, and plaque from spots between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. If not removed, these particles can accumulate and create bad breath or even develop decay.
3. Brush in Circles
Have you ever noticed how you brush your teeth? It’s important to use gentle circular motions to massage your gums and clean each tooth thoroughly. Aggressive back-and-forth motions can damage your gums and tooth enamel. The circular motions give your teeth a thorough cleaning, removing any plaque or germ build-up.
4. Keep Your Diet Healthy
Is your child (or are you) tempted by sweets, desserts, and sodas? While they’re fine once in a while, too much of it will damage your teeth and oral health in the long run. Sugary and acidic foods are known to erode your enamel, lead to cavities, and have you make unplanned appointments with your family dentist in Phoenix!
Instead, include foods that are rich in calcium and other nutrients. Think leafy greens, almonds, cheese, yogurt, and more. Your teeth will thank you! Moreover, adding fresh, crunchy fruits and veggies to your family’s diet can help further strengthen your gums and teeth.
Last but not least, don’t sleep on your water intake. It’s the best, most healthy beverage you can ever have. We recommend having 1-2 glasses right after you wake up, along with a few sips of water before and after every meal.
5. Visit Your Dentist Once in Six Months
Your family dentist in Phoenix can identify and prevent issues before they even start. Which is why regular dental health checkups are important for you and your family. With this, going through professional dental cleaning and treatments will remove any buildup of plaque and tartar and prevent any future problems.
Takeaway
All in all, maintaining your oral health is just about some regular hygienic habits and smart choices – both for you and your family. From mindful brushing to watching what you eat, following simple steps can help you and your loved ones always have a bright, healthy smile. But some issues may still come up, so it’s important to keep your family dentist in the loop with regular checkups.
If you’re looking for a trusted family dentist in Phoenix to guide you on this journey, we’re here for you. Our experienced Phoenix AZ dentists are committed to providing personalized care and helping you achieve long-lasting oral health. Schedule an appointment with us today for your family.