Receive Dental Health Tips from a Family Dentist

Maintaining good dental health involves more than just a consistent daily oral hygiene routine. Many things can affect the health of your teeth and gums, including what types of foods and drinks you consume. Everyone knows that brushing the teeth twice per day and flossing is vital for anyone trying to maintain a healthy mouth. However, there are subtle changes you could make to your routine that could improve your dental health further.

Dental health tips

Seal off trouble

Permanent molars typically will begin coming in around the age of 6. Dental sealants are a preventive treatment that add a thin protective coating to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Doing this can significantly prevent decay in the pits and fissures of the teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants can dramatically reduce the chance of cavities. However, only one in three children in the United States gets dental sealants. Talk to your dental professional to see if dental sealants are right for you.

Use fluoride (but not too much)

The single most significant technological advancement within the oral health field has been fluoride. It works to strengthen enamel, making it less likely to decay. Three out of four Americans drink water from the tap that is fluoridated. If you find out that your water isn’t fluoridated, talk to your dental professional, and they may suggest that you put a fluoride application on your teeth. Many kinds of toothpaste and mouth rinse also contain fluoride. It should be noted that fluoride should be used sparingly for young children — no more than a pea-sized dab on the toothbrush. If you use too much, it can cause white spots on teeth.

Eat healthy foods

As the saying goes, "You are what you eat." If you consume a high amount of sugary foods, that sugar can lead to tooth decay. Luckily, there are several foods that actually contribute to good dental health. Some of these include:

• Cheese — contains calcium and protein, which strengthens tooth enamel
• Yogurt — contains probiotics (good bacteria), which reduces the bad bacteria that causes tooth decay
• Leafy greens (such as kale and spinach) — contain calcium and folic acid, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent gum disease
• Carrots — contain fiber and increase saliva production, which reduces the risk of cavities
• Water — contains no sugar or calories (and sometimes includes fluoride!) 

Visit the dentist twice a year

Even if you think you take care of your teeth well enough to forgo your bi-annual dentist appointments, don't! It is important for the dentist to give you a thorough cleaning and examine your mouth for issues that you may not be able to see or are not displaying symptoms for, such as mouth cancer or early signs of tooth decay. 

Questions?

If you have any additional questions about dental health tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy, give us a call. Our dental staff is always ready to help guide patients so that they can have the best teeth and gums possible.

Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.

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