Find out if your at-home oral care routine could use a makeover.
Nothing is as beautiful as a set of vibrant, healthy teeth, but in order to maintain a healthy smile you have to put in a little work and effort. Caring for your smile doesn’t have to be difficult once you understand what it entails. Visiting Waterloo, Ontario dentists Dr. Saeid Jafarpour and Dr. Ralph Krebs for routine cleanings is one way to show your smile you care. Here are some simple everyday steps you should be taking to make sure you’re maintaining superior oral health.
Brush and Floss Regularly
At the very minimum, a healthy individual should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. These habits are the best way to prevent plaque from building up. Of course, if our Waterloo, ON, family dentist has told you that you are prone to cavities and gum disease then you may need to amp up your daily routine and brush after every meal or snack.
Replace Your Toothbrush
Unfortunately, many people continue to use old, worn toothbrushes that need to be replaced. If you have a bad habit of using your toothbrush even once the bristles have begun to fray, it’s important that you stop. Frayed bristles can cause excessive wear on teeth, they don’t provide a thorough clean and they can harbor bacteria that could increase your risk for infection. Make sure to replace your toothbrush as soon as the bristles look a bit worn.
Avoid Sugary Snacks and Drinks
What you eat and drink every day can have a profound impact on your oral health. If you snack a lot, or if you eat a lot of sugary, starchy foods and drinks such as pastries, sodas, sports drinks, and white breads and pastas then you are more likely to deal with cavities. Swap out white, processed starches with whole-grain options and limit sugar consumption.
Stay Hydrated
Getting enough water is important for your overall health and also for the health of your teeth and gums. Not only does drinking water remove bacteria and sugar after eating and drinking, but tap water also contains fluoride, which can help strengthen and remineralize tooth enamel.
Due to the pandemic, Eastbridge Dental Care will be temporarily closed for all elective and routine dental appointments and services; however, if you or a loved one is dealing with a dental emergency please call our Waterloo, ON, family dentist at (519) 746-3435 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.