The Best Ways to Prevent Visiting the Dentist More Than Necessary
Your teeth are one of the most important parts of your body. They help you eat, smile and talk, so it’s very important to take care of them. You can do this by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day.
It’s also extremely important that you visit your dentist at least once every six months for a check-up. This helps to identify any problems early on and treat them before they become more serious (and more expensive) issues. In this article, we’ll give some tips on how you can maintain good oral health and prevent visiting the dentist more than a couple of times a year.
Tips for maintaining good oral health
Looking after your teeth can sometimes feel like a chore. But in reality, it doesn’t take much time at all to maintain good oral health. Aside from brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist twice a year, there’s nothing too difficult about looking after your teeth. Making smarter choices with the food and drinks you consume, along with some simple daily maintenance, is all it takes. Here are the best ways to look after your dental health.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is the best defence against most dental hygiene problems. Some people will recommend only using a soft-bristled toothbrush, but really this is down to personal preference. The less harsh your brushing is, though, the better it will be for you long-term.
Choosing a quality toothpaste with fluoride is also important, as it can protect your teeth. Most toothpaste includes fluoride, so it’s never too difficult to find one that suits you. If you’re not sure what type of toothpaste and toothbrush is best, ask your dentist or hygienist for advice.
Floss every day
One of the most effective ways to prevent visiting the dentist more than a couple of times a year is by flossing every day. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and periodontal disease if left unchecked.
Best of all, flossing is actually really easy. Hold about 45cm of floss between each hand and wrap it around one finger on each hand. Slide the floss under one tooth at a time while gently moving side-to-side between teeth until you’ve reached all those hard-to-reach areas near the gum line where bacteria tends to collect.
Avoid sugary drinks
If you want to avoid the dentist, ditching sugary food and drinks is a must. Sugar is bad for your teeth, and it will lead to cavities if left untreated. The sugar in many popular soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and others works with bacteria in your mouth to cause all sorts of problems. One of the worst to deal with is the erosion of your tooth enamel, also known as dentin hypersensitivity.
In small doses, sugar is fine, but having too much in your diet will lead to dentin hypersensitivity, cavities and worse. Remember, everything in moderation. And if you do indulge in some sugary drinks, make sure you brush after an hour or so. Brushing too soon after sugary or alcoholic drinks can actually cause more damage.
Limit your coffee intake
Much like those sugary drinks, coffee is acidic and can erode enamel, which will make you more likely to develop cavities. In addition, it can stain your teeth, causing them to look yellow or brownish-grey over time. Caffeine can also cause bad breath if you drink too much of it, which is another good reason to avoid it completely or enjoy it in moderation.
In order to help prevent these problems from happening, try drinking water instead of coffee when possible. It’s better for your dental health and will keep your mouth feeling and smelling fresh all day.
Visit the dentist at least once every six months
Finally, it might sound obvious, but visiting your dentist every six months is a great way to ensure you don’t have to visit more than twice a year. You should visit the dentist at least once every six months. The frequency of visits depends on your oral health and how often you brush and floss, but regular check-ups and cleaning can help to prevent serious dental issues.
Signs you should visit a dentist urgently
While most dental problems can be avoided by maintaining good oral health habits, there are exceptions. There are certain times when you should contact a dentist quickly, particularly if you experience any of the symptoms below:
· Pain or swelling in the jaw
· Pain when chewing
· A change in the way your teeth fit together
· Bleeding gums, or bleeding after brushing and flossing for more than one week
· Damaged or broken teeth
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dental clinic in Parramatta as soon as possible. Even if you’re not concerned about the appearance of a broken tooth, you should still visit a dentist. Broken teeth can lead to further issues, not to mention pain. Plus, any unusual pain, swelling or change in your teeth’s appearance should be looked at.
Addressing issues early can avoid costly and painful issues in the future.
Looking for a friendly dental clinic in Parramatta?
Parramatta Dental Avenue is committed to providing a welcoming, safe and friendly environment for your family’s dental needs. When you need a dental clinic in Parramatta that you can trust, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From caring for babies’ teeth to elderly dental care, we have services and treatments for the entire family. Contact us today to find out how we can help take care of your oral health.
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