When we want to know the best rules in any industry, we go to the professionals. The same is true in the dental field. If you are looking for the best tips on dental hygiene, then talk with a dental hygienist! Fortunately, our team of dentists and dental hygienists has put together a great guide for patients looking to ‘up their game’ on the dental field.
Tip #1: Don’t Skip Out On the Dentist
You may assume that if you frequently brush (but not too much), you shouldn’t need to see a dentist more than once every couple of years, or maybe when you have a dental emergency. Not only is that assumption false, but it can also be dangerous. Skipping out on the dentist can have major repercussions, such as missing out on diagnosis of tooth decay, gum disease, infection, and even oral cancers. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling a dental cleaning at least two times per year or once every six months. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Tip #2: Invest in the Right Toothbrush
It doesn’t matter if you are brushing your teeth two times per day or five times if you don’t have the right tools for the job. If your toothbrush has been sitting around for longer than three months, it’s probably doing more harm than good. A good rule to remember is to buy a new toothbrush every three to four months and especially after recovering from any illness. If you can’t remember how old your toothbrush is, it’s time for a new one. Buy one that has soft bristles. Medium to hard bristles will damage your enamel, making cavities and tooth decay more likely.
Tip #3: Stay Away From the Sweets
This is a hard one, especially with Halloween just around the corner. While we don’t want you completely depriving yourself of any and all candy joy, it is important to remember that sugar is what leads to cavities in the first place. If you do happen to consume a sugary beverage or snack, wash it down with water. If you can, brush your teeth immediately after a sweet treat to ensure those sugar bugs don’t get stuck living their best life in your mouth. You can go the extra mile and choose to eat chocolate for your sweet treat. Hard and sticky candies linger around your teeth for longer, making them harder to clean and giving bacteria a greater opportunity to cause tooth decay. Chocolate dissolves quickly and can be easily washed down with a big glass of water.
Schedule a Cleaning at Flatirons Dental
Obviously, our biggest tip is to get a dental cleaning. Even using the best toothbrush and following the ADA recommended guidelines for length is not enough to thoroughly clean out all the ‘gunk’ that has been building up over the last several months. In addition, a hygienist and dentist will screen your mouth for any additional issues that may arise. So, please give us a call at 720-304-3267 or contact us here to schedule a cleaning with our amazing dental team.