Every day, we use our teeth. We speak, we chew our food, we smile—they’re indispensable! And because of this, we do a lot to keep our teeth in good condition.
But is it possible to keep your natural teeth for life? It is, but you’ll have to do more preventative dental care than routine brushing to ensure this.
Below are six things you should do routinely to keep your natural teeth for your life. You should know, however, that things out of your control—disease, injuries— may make keeping your natural teeth for life impossible. But if you adhere to the six recommendations discussed below, you’ll likely be able to save your natural teeth for a very long time.
1. Get Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly
You should get your teeth cleaned by a dentist at least twice a year. This way, you never have to worry about tartar buildup getting out of hand, and your dentist can do X-rays and other exams to ensure your teeth, gums, etc., are healthy. If you go to the dentist regularly, it’s unlikely that a minor dental problem will turn into a larger one.
2. Floss
It’s also important to floss regularly. This way, you prevent plaque from becoming tartar. It’s best to use dental floss over dental picks. If you can’t use floss because you have sensitive gums, use a water pick. Ask your dentist which flossing method is best for your condition.
3. Use Fluoride
Getting a fluoride treatment when you visit the dentist is a good move. Fluoride strengthens your tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid and oral bacteria, and it will also help prevent tooth decay.
You should do whatever you can to prevent tooth decay, as this can lead to many other oral health issues, with lifetime consequences.
4. Don’t Consume a Lot of Acidic Foods & Drinks
If keeping your teeth healthy is your priority—and it should be—you need to be conscious of what you eat and drink. Acidic foods, for example, can wear down your tooth enamel, making you more prone to oral health issues.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have a glass of orange juice with breakfast, but if you maintain a highly acidic diet year after year, you risk developing oral health issues as you age.
5. Don’t Consume a Lot of Sugary Foods & Drinks
Avoiding sugary foods is important too. When you’re a kid, you can get away with eating endless pieces of candy on Halloween, but when you’re older, you should definitely watch your sugar intake, as too much of this can lead to cavities and a host of other issues. It’s wise to stay away from soda as well.
6. Follow Your Oral Hygiene Routine Diligently
Stick to your oral hygiene routine. Brush two to three times a day (depending on what you eat and drink). You should brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash.
Where to Get Preventative Dental Care
Call Caring4Smiles in Auckland, NZ, at (09) 631-5416 to set up an appointment to have your teeth examined and cleaned. You can also book an appointment online here.