Dental Tips for the Whole Family

Healthy teeth are important at any age. From small children with only a few teeth to older adults who have been taking care of their teeth for many decades, oral hygiene plays an important part in overall health. Healthy teeth, gums, and mouth are essential for healthy eating, preventing certain diseases and cancers, and for having a pain-free talking and smiling experience. A few simple habits combined with professional attention from experts in North Pole family dentistry can leave you with a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.

Start with the Basics

Of course, the best place to start is with regular brushing and flossing. Using a high-quality toothbrush, at least 2 minutes should be spent brushing all surfaces of the teeth. Make sure to pay particular attention to the gum line, since people often opt to spend most of their time brushing the flat tops of teeth. Doing this at least twice a day will keep plaque and cavities at bay. For small children, it is also about helping them form the habits that will serve them once their adult teeth come in.
For flossing, grab a length of floss that is at least 18 inches in order to get the best grip. Floss between all teeth and behind the back molars to remove buildup that toothbrushes can't always reach.

Protect Your Teeth All Day Long

Eating lunch or snacking throughout the day when your toothbrush is not readily available means that those food particles stay on your teeth for many hours. Rather than just living with the damage, a bottle of mouthwash or even plain water can be used to rinse the mouth and save your teeth.

Reminders and Triggers

All too often, people have good intentions of taking care of their teeth, brightening their smiles, and improving their health, but they get busy and forget about regular brushing. Associating your brushing time with some other event (like breakfast, getting ready for school, or getting ready for bed) can help remind you or your children that it's time for oral hygiene.

Healthy Eating

Foods full of sugars can wreak havoc on teeth of all ages, while healthy choices improve dental health as well as overall physical health. A diet rich in healthy vegetables is recommended by all experts in North Pole family dentistry, since those foods strengthen teeth, help fight bad bacteria, and are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.