We get two sets of teeth during our lifetime. The second, our adult teeth, usually start to erupt around the age of 6 or 7, and despite this early appearance, they need to last us for as long as possible. While there are plenty of very natural-looking and long-lasting restorations available, it’s far better to preserve your natural teeth when you can. Fortunately, there are a lot of things that we can do to protect our teeth from decay and other dental issues that could cause us to experience pain as well as putting the long-term health and retention of our teeth at risk.
 

Brush teeth at least twice each day

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of brushing your teeth. Dentists recommend that people brush after meals if possible, as this removes food debris and bacteria before they have chance to interact and cause plaque to develop.
 

Choose the right equipment

Not all toothbrushes are created equal, and contrary to popular belief, a toothbrush with firm bristles isn’t necessarily any better at keeping your teeth clean and preserving your oral health. In fact, hard bristles can actually damage the enamel of your teeth and gums. Choose a small, round-headed toothbrush with soft bristles for maximum benefit and opt for fluoridated toothpaste to reduce your risk of decay.
 

Don’t forget to floss

Flossing may seem tedious and time-consuming, but it’s an integral part of a good oral hygiene routine. This is because only floss can get into the microscopic gaps between the teeth where plaque can accumulate. If you find traditional floss to tricky to handle, consider interdental brushes, dental picks and water flossers.
 

Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing

Many people think mouthwash is a shortcut to great dental health, but it’s just a very small element of what should be a robust oral hygiene routine. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help give your teeth the maximum protection.
 

Eat a healthy balanced diet and choose your drinks wisely

What you eat and drink can impact on the health and condition of your teeth too. Try and stick to eating natural, nutritious foods and avoid anything too sugary or acidic in either food or drink. This is especially important because acids found in foods and beverages can dissolve minerals found in tooth enamel, triggering the development of decay and cavities. Water is the best thing you can drink for your oral health. Dentists recommend that you have a glass of water with every meal too, as it can help to wash away some of the bacteria and food particles that may otherwise be clinging to your teeth until you next get to brush them.
 

Don’t use your teeth as tools

Do you use your teeth to open packaging, remove bottle caps or to perform other tasks where a different tool might otherwise be effective? Many people are blessed with sharp, strong teeth, but this doesn’t mean that you should use them as tools. In fact, over time you could cause them and your jaw significant damage which could lead to a range of dental issues, such as cracks and chips, displacement and orthodontic problems.
 

Visit your dentist regularly

Regular dental visits are one of the best ways to preserve your teeth and prevent long term dental issues. Your dentist can carefully monitor your oral health and the condition of your teeth so that any developing issues are detected and treated early on. Since every patient is different, you should attend dental appointments at the frequency recommended by your dentist. You should also have a professional dental clean with your hygienist at least once each year. Call Boss Dental at (361) 245-5400 to schedule an appointment or with any questions.