Your permanent teeth are called “permanent” for a reason; they’re the only set of teeth you get after they grow, which is why it’s important to take very good care of them. Fortunately, there are numerous dental care practices you can take to ensure that your teeth stay healthy for a lifetime! Here are a few tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums:

Brush Twice a Day

Proper dental care starts at home! Make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day, for two full minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush your teeth; while you may think that by brushing harder you can remove more food particles and plaque, you can actually damage your tooth enamel—or the outer layer of your teeth! Brushing too hard can also irritate your gums, causing them to bleed.

Floss Once a Day

Flossing is a dental hygiene practice many patients neglect to do, simply because it’s often forgotten and not thought of as a routine thing to do. However, by flossing, you’re actually cleaning the surfaces of your teeth that your toothbrush is unable to reach. In fact, flossing helps clean nearly 30-40% of your teeth surfaces! For better dental health, try to floss at least once a day.

Clean Your Tongue Often

Did you know that bacteria can linger on your tongue? By using a tongue cleaner—or brushing your tongue with your toothbrush—you can remove the bacteria that can cause harm to your dental health, and even eliminate bad breath too!

Limit Sugar Intake

Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that is attracted to the sugars and starches from the foods you eat. By limiting your sugar intake, you’re limiting the amount of potential plaque buildup on the teeth! If you must indulge, however, make sure you rinse your mouth with water to reduce the chances of attracting more plaque.

While these are all good starts to managing healthier teeth and gums at home, it’s also important to visit our office twice a year for regular dental checkups and cleanings. We can provide you with preventative treatments that will help protect your teeth and gums from decay and disease in-between visits. Is it almost time for a routine visit? Call our office to book an appointment today!

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