Dentist in Grand Junction | Ruby Canyon Dental
Brushing and flossing every day are staples to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, you can do other things that will benefit your overall well-being. Please read below for our ten oral health tips from you dentist in Grand Junction, CO.
#1 BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY
Brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush for two minutes twice a day, known as the 2×2 rule, helps keep plaque at bay. To avoid damaging the soft tissue, brush with fluoride toothpaste and proper techniques using small circular motions. Don’t forget to brush your tongue thoroughly to keep bad breath away.
#2 FLOSS DAILY
Floss nightly before brushing to remove anything your toothbrush is unable to dislodge. Skipping this step will leave small food particles that can eventually decay and cause oral health problems. Flossing may cause gums to be extra sensitive, which is natural and will stop once you’ve been flossing for a couple of days.
#3 REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH REGULARLY
In general, you should change your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months. Frayed toothbrushes don’t clean the tooth’s surface correctly and damage your gums. Always rinse your toothbrush and store it upright to dry completely.
#4 DENTIST VISITS EVERY SIX MONTHS
Regular six-month visits will allow your dentist in Grand Junction to catch issues before they take hold. During these visits, your teeth get a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup and buff and polish your tooth enamel for a sparkly smile.
#5 MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET
Avoiding foods and drinks that are highly processed and laden in sugars plays a massive role in long-term dental health. Including foods high in calcium that can help support strong and healthy teeth, like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, almonds, yogurt, and cheese.
#6 USE DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS
Brushing and flossing are fundamental to preventive dental health. Still, you can help keep your teeth in top condition by incorporating supplemental aids into your routine. Consider mouthwash, oral irrigators, interdental cleaners, and tongue cleaners. These hygiene products can help support good oral health and should be used in addition to regular brushing and flossing.
#7 KEEP HYDRATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy saliva flow by moving food particles through your mouth, preventing them from sticking in your teeth where bacteria can grow.
#8 DON’T SMOKE
Smoking causes tooth staining and severe health issues like gum disease, leading to tooth loss and even oral cancer. The best thing you could do for the care of your teeth and your overall health is to quit smoking immediately.
#9 CONSIDER DENTAL SEALANTS
Dental sealants fill the depressions and grooves of your molars and premolars to protect your teeth from cavities. Everyone benefits from sealants, but children and teens are good candidates as they often don’t brush as thoroughly as adults.
#10 EXAMINE REGULARLY
While regular checkups with your dentist in Grand Junction are an excellent preventive measure, issues can develop between visits. To prevent problems, do a quick scan of the inside of your mouth as part of your oral care routine. If anything has changed or seems unusual, share this information with your dentist at your next appointment.
You dentist in Grand Junction, CO., Ruby Canyon Dental, has years of experience and is here to guide you with the best dental practices to maintain your oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile. Schedule an appointment today.
