With most things in life, people operate on a ‘Good, Better, Best’ approach. For example, are you going to the grocery store? A good option might be to grab an apple, a better option is to make sure it is organic, but the best option is to eat it when you get home. The same approach can be applied to brushing your teeth. While we hope most of you are semi-familiar with these tips, here are some good, better, and best practices for dental health.
Step 1: Brush Your Teeth
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes twice every day. But, some additional steps can make this simple activity better for your dental health.
- Good. Brush your teeth with a clean toothbrush and store it in a container with good airflow.
- Better. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, store it properly in a container with good airflow, and replace it every 3 to 4 months.
- Best. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, store it properly in a container with good airflow, and replace it every 3 to 4 months and after any illness. In addition, use a fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association ‘Seal of Acceptance’. Follow your routine by flossing.
Step 2: Have a Healthy Diet
You have probably heard this from your physician or nutritionist. Now, you get to listen to it from your dentist. Maintain a healthy diet! Diets high in sugar will put you at greater risk for diabetes and heart disease. In addition, sugar will wreak havoc in your mouth.
- Good. Brush your teeth after you eat sugary treats.
- Better. Avoid snacking on sugary treats throughout the day and make it a ‘treat’ after dinner. You can then follow your regular dental routine to eliminate any sugar bugs stuck on the surface of your teeth. Eating sugar after a meal is a good practice because you have more saliva in your mouth to wash down bacteria and sugar.
- Best. Eliminate sugar and processed foods from your diet and drink your weight (in ounces) in water every day. Brush your teeth twice each day and follow this action by flossing. If you happen to have a sugary treat now and then, aim to eat it after a meal (see tip above). Add in foods or natural supplements that are high in Calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D.
Step 3: Don’t Skip Dental Visits
While your dentist can create a dental plan specific to your needs, most people should be seeing their dentist twice every year for a cleaning, exam, and set of x-rays. A preventive visit is the best way a dentist can detect, diagnose, and treat issues that could turn serious down the road.
- Good. See a dentist twice every year.
- Better. See a dentist twice every year, ask questions, get additional resources, and ask for screenings for genetic conditions or oral cancers.
- Best. Schedule an appointment with one of our excellent providers at Greeley Dental Health. We are proud to offer a high standard of care, as well as resources that will help you become an expert in keeping your smile bright and healthy for years to come. We are offering new patients an exam, cleaning, and set of x-rays for only $59.
We look forward to seeing you!