Be Dental Care Aware: Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile 

Maintaining a healthy smile doesn’t come with only two dental cleanings a year (though that’s part of it!) There are things you have to do at home to be dental care aware and protect your smile from dental health issues that are all too common. In this article, we’re discussing how you can be dental care aware. These are the common dental health issues to look out for and what you can do at home to maintain your smile. 

Dental Care Aware: Know Symptoms of Common Dental Health Issues 

At one point or another, you will more than likely experience an issue with your smile. Whether it’s bad breath or gum disease, there are many dental health issues that are more common than you think. Part of being dental care aware is knowing the signs that something could be wrong with your teeth or gums. Common dental health problems that you should be aware of include:

Bad breath 

Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can be chronic. In fact, up to 85% of people with bad breath actually have an underlying dental health condition. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth, and more can cause bad breath. Dental care aware tip: if you have chronic bad breath you can’t get rid of, make an appointment with your dentist. 

Cavities 

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is the second most common prevalent disease in the United States. Cavities occur when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with sugars and/or starches of the food you eat. This combination produces acids that attack your tooth enamel. Adults and children alike both can develop cavities. Cavities are tiny holes that form in the teeth that can result in pain or sensitivity. Dental care aware tip: if you experience tooth aches, pain, or sensitivity, see your dentist. 

Gum disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is when the gums become infected. This is also one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Further, while everyone is at risk for gum disease, it typically doesn’t occur until after the age of 30. Signs of gum disease include bad breath, gums that are red, swollen, tender, or bleeding, sensitive teeth, and painful chewing. Dental care aware tip: if you notice that your gums have become inflamed, red, and sensitive, see your dentist before gum disease can progress. 

Tooth sensitivity 

Another common dental health issue that affects people is tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity involves experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks, or ice cream. Sensitive teeth can be a sign of tooth damage, infection, and other dental health problems. Dental care aware tip: if you have a tough time consuming your normal diet due to teeth sensitivity, it’s time to see the dentist.

Dental Care Aware: How to Maintain Your Smile 

Maintaining your oral health is like maintaining your physical health. If you want to maintain a healthy weight, you have to remain active and watch what you eat. Just the same, once you get a healthy smile, you have to maintain it through good oral hygiene — a key part in being dental care aware. 

Proper at-home oral hygiene routines can be maintained by following these tips:

• Brush your teeth twice a day. When you brush your teeth, you should be doing so for at least two minutes. Do not brush your teeth right after eating, rather, rinse your mouth with water and wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth. Right after eating or drinking, especially acidic things, your teeth are vulnerable to damage and brushing can be too harsh right after consuming those foods and drinks. 
• Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride can help protect your teeth from cavities and it can strengthen your enamel. 
• Check your toothbrush. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Further, consider using an electric toothbrush that can further help reduce plaque and bacteria more than manual toothbrushing can. 
• Floss once a day to remove bacteria between the teeth and right under the gumline. Brushing alone doesn’t clean your teeth, which is why we need to floss. Don’t skimp on the floss, and be gentle. Don’t directly hit your gums with the floss, but curve it against one tooth before carving it in a ‘c’ shape and sliding it against the next tooth. 
• Use a fluoride mouthwash to thoroughly remove any bacteria left in your mouth and further coat the teeth with fluoride to protect them. 

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

No matter how healthy you are, you should be seeing your dentist every six months. If you’re overdue for a dental checkup, make an appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental today by calling us at (303)-872-7907.