We get most of our adult teeth at quite an early age, and these teeth have to serve us faithfully for the rest of our lives. That’s why it’s so important we take good care of them. Here are some top tips for looking after your teeth.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
For many a trip to the dentist is the last thing they want to do, but a good dentist will play a major role in ensuring you have healthy teeth and gums all the way through to your twilight years. A dentist doesn’t just do fillings and extractions. Regular check ups will help prevent problems from occurring in the first place. It’s a far better experience to visit your dentist for a check up rather than for a bad toothache.
Teeth Are Not Tools
Teeth are designed for both smiling and chewing. They are not designed to be used as tools when we don’t have something else handy. Most of us are probably guilty of using our teeth to try and tear open a bag or undo a stubborn knot. Some people even use their teeth to remove bottle caps or crack open nuts. It’s a big risk. Teeth aren’t made of the same material as items found in a tool kit. You risk chipping or breaking your teeth this way.
Drink More Water, Drink Less Sugar
Most of the drinks we consume, other than water, contain either sugars or acids or both. The only exceptions might be black coffee or tea, but these beverages will stain teeth over time. Sugary and acidic drinks are possibly one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Substitute that Coke or juice for a fresh glass of water. And rinse your mouth out with water after every meal or snack.
Protect Your Teeth When Active
Buy a mouthguard and wear it whenever you play a sport where there is the possibility of contact with the head. This could also include sports like surfing. If you do lose a tooth, try and save it and keep it in milk. Then make an appointment with an emergency dentist.
Brush and Floss
Don’t just brush your teeth several times a day, also floss as well. This removes the build up of plaque and food trapped between the teeth. Removing debris from the outer surfaces is quite easy with regular brushing, but it’s between the teeth that can really cause problems when it comes to tooth decay.
Feed Your Teeth Nutrients
Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Some good sources are:
- Milk
- Dairy products
- Broccoli
- Fortified orange juice
- Supplements
For more top tips for looking after your teeth from Dr Ruth Parrag, book in for a check-up, get in touch with Advanced Dental Care Clinic on the Gold Coast. We care about our patients and we can assist you with the following services:
- Emergency dentist
- Fast Braces
- Laser whitening
- Dentures
- Dental Implants
