Preventive Care - Protect Your Teeth From Dental Decay And Other Diseases

What is preventive dental care, you ask? Preventive dental care is all of the things you do, or should do, to take proper care of your teeth and gums. These include brushing, flossing, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your Ajax dentist regularly to help avoid dental disease. When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, preventive dental care is smart. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque from the surfaces and in between teeth, keeping your teeth looking and feeling clean, while a healthy diet, one low in sugar and other refined carbohydrates, helps keep your whole body in good shape.

Brush Twice a Day

Your smile relies on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, don't rush. Take enough time to brush your teeth thoroughly. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. You can even consider using an electric or battery operated toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.

Be sure to hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and brush with short back-and-forth motions. Also remember to brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing, and know when to invest in a new toothbrush. Typically, it is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three or four months - or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Floss Daily

Unfortunately, you can't reach the tight spaces between your teeth or under your gum line with just a toothbrush. This is why daily flossing is more important than ever. When you floss, be sure to not skimp. Break off about 18 inches of dental floss. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand - leaving about an inch to floss your first tooth.

Next, take it one tooth at a time. Use your thumbs and forefingers to gently pull the floss from the gum line to the top of the tooth to scrape off plaque. Rub the floss against all sides of the tooth. Unwind to fresh floss as you progress to the next tooth. If you have trouble getting floss through your teeth, try the waxed variety, or use a floss holder or an interdental cleaner.

Eat a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet

Even though national nutrition month has ended, it is still important to maintain a proper well-balanced diet to not only protect your body, but your teeth as well. The sugars and starches contained in carbohydrates can lead to acid build-up on teeth. Other foods that might seem healthy can also increase acid in the mouth. These include citrus fruits, citrus juices, pickled foods and carbonated beverages such as sparking mineral waters. Additionally, foods that stay in the mouth and remain on teeth, such as food that is nibbled or drinks that are sipped slowly, can also lead to increased bacterial activity.

Be sure to eat foods and drink that are good for your teeth, including:
*Fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, lean meat and fish
*Calcium rich foods such as milk and dairy products
*Tap water and flat mineral water

Visit Your Ajax Dentist

To prevent gum disease and other oral health problems, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you should schedule regular dental cleanings and exams with your dentist - generally once or twice a year. Some people may require more visits, while others might require less. By visiting your dentist in Ajax you can create a proper preventive treatment plan.

In the meantime, contact your dentist if you notice any signs or symptoms that could suggest oral health problems, such as:
*Red, tender or swollen gums
*Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
*Loose permanent teeth
*Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth align with each other
*Unusual sensitivity to hot and cold
*Persistent bad breath or an unusual taste in your mouth

Visit your dentist in Ajax today, for more information on proper preventive care and to ensure the health of your smile.