Thanksgiving is a time of gratefulness, family, friends, and food! What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season? At Cobblestone Park Family Dental, we’re thankful for our teeth.
Here are 5 ways to say thank you to your teeth this Thanksgiving and keep them healthy and strong!
Brush Your Teeth Every Day
Ever since you were little, you’ve been taught to brush your teeth every day. While it may be tedious at times, it’s important to keep your smile happy and healthy!
The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day. When you brush your teeth, you remove plaque and food that have bacteria that could cause cavities. Foods, especially sugar, can damage your teeth.
When you break down sugar, the bacteria in your mouth releases acids that can attack your tooth enamel.
That’s why it’s important to brush twice a day to keep the food off your teeth, so your smile can stay healthy and cavity-free!
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste is the best for your teeth!
It strengthens your enamel and slows down the acid production of bacteria caused by plaque. Fluoride causes remineralization which increases phosphate and calcium on the surface of your teeth. These minerals protect your teeth from plaque that produces bacteria.
While fluoride is good for your teeth, it can also cause fluorosis if you use it too often. This condition is usually prevalent in children from childbirth to around nine years old when their teeth are developing. Fluorosis changes the appearance of the enamel and can actually increase the risk of tooth decay.
If you are a parent, be sure to monitor the amount of fluoride your child is using when they brush their teeth.
Floss Once a Day
Flossing is one of those easy things to forget about and push off until a couple of days before you visit the dentist. However, it’s vital to your health to floss once a day. Flossing removes all the food in between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t get.
Here’s a fun fact: 35% of your tooth surface goes untouched if you do not floss. That’s a lot of tooth surface for bacteria to grow and cavities to form.
Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. The type of floss you choose to use will depend on your tooth gap size.
Talk to your dentist to find out what kind of floss works best for you and your smile.
Drink Water
Did you know that up to 60% of the adult human body is made up of water? Water is not only great for hydration, but it is also great for your teeth!
Water contains fluoride which strengthens your teeth and helps prevent cavities. This is why fluoride toothpaste is so good for you.
Water also keeps your mouth clean. It can wash away bacteria buildup in your mouth. Other drinks like soda are full of sugar which causes the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that can harm your teeth.
When you drink water, it washes away food, keeps your teeth clean and healthy with fluoride, and is healthy for your entire body!
Visit your Dentist
Visiting your dentist is one of the best ways to take care of your teeth and make sure that they are still healthy.
How often should you see your dentist?
Most dental professionals recommend that you visit your dentist every six months. When you visit your dentist twice a year, this allows your dentist to catch any early signs of cavities. Also, when you visit the dentist, they will remove any plaque or buildup that you have been unable to get rid of when you clean your teeth.
So, twice-a-year visits are highly recommended. However, every smile is different and requires different care regimens. It’s best to consult with your dental professional to determine how often you should visit them.
Cobblestone Park Family Dental is Thankful for You!
Here at Cobblestone Park Family Dental, we’re thankful for you! We care about you and your smile. During this season of thankfulness, don’t forget to thank your teeth and take extra good care of them this year!
If you experience any toothaches or pain in your mouth this season, be sure to schedule an appointment with our dedicated team.
At Cobblestone Park Family Dental, our dental professionals are ready to help. Schedule an appointment at our Oklahoma City office by calling (405) 603-8520.