Do you sometimes wonder if the things you were taught as a child about how to care for your teeth are actually the best ways to maintain a healthy smile? Perhaps you overlooked dental appointments for several years, and only recently discovered that you were struggling with several oral health concerns, such as cavities, infections, or even gum disease. Adequate preventive dental care is not as difficult as you might think. It simply requires understanding what is required to help keep the teeth strong and the gums healthy, and sometimes that means relearning the actual truth behind some common misconceptions where oral health is concerned.
Misconception: I should brush my teeth no more than twice a day.
While many children are taught to brush their teeth twice a day, and this is a good start to maintaining a healthy smile, in most cases brushing after each meal is actually advisable. That is because removing food particles and bacteria from the surface of teeth, quickly after meals, helps to limit plaque bacteria’s ability to begin building up on the surface of teeth.
Since plaque buildup is responsible for a host of dental issues, including cavities, preventing it can be especially helpful.
- If you cannot brush after each meal, consider drinking a glass of water after you finish a meal or snack, as this can help rinse some of the food particles and bacteria off the surface of your teeth.
- Chewing sugar-free gum can have similar benefits, and is particularly useful if you are unable to brush your teeth midday, such as after lunch. The gum can help clean the teeth and even freshen the breath, just make sure to opt for sugar-free varieties.
- If you have any questions about how to maintain your oral health, including proper preventive techniques, speak to your dentist at your next checkup and cleaning about the best ways to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy.
ABOUT YOUR WACO, TX, DENTIST:
We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Corbet Locke, DDS, contact our Waco, TX, dental office today by calling 254-776-4888. Our office welcomes patients in and around Waco, TX, including Hewitt, McGregor, Woodway, and the surrounding Central Texas communities.