Dental care is always a priority, but with so few scheduled dental visits, at-home care now has a more vital role in oral health. Many of us in British Columbia are having to take on more personal responsibility for our teeth, as dentists are so difficult to see.
Even before the pandemic, The University of Utah noted that most people didn’t take proper care of their teeth at home. Dentists usually rely on patients to upkeep their oral health with floss, toothbrushes, and other apparatus. Sadly, so few patients do.
The saddest part is that most dentists know immediately if a patient has been keeping up with their dental regime at home. With so few scheduled visits available these days, there is even more focus on taking care of your own teeth at home.
Toothbrush Considerations
As any dentist in Langley, BC will inform you, many patients don’t even realize they need to change their toothbrushes regularly. The American Dental Association notes that a toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months.
Regardless of the toothbrush style you use, you should avoid scrubbing vigorously to slow damage to your teeth and gums. Ideally, you could opt for an electric toothbrush, which manages to get your mouth clean without having to force the bristles yourself.
Modern toothbrushes may also come with color-changing hairs that allow you to see when it’s time to change your brush.
What To Look For in Floss
Floss is another critical component to taking good care of your teeth. While brushing gets rid of debris that remains on the face of your teeth, flossing helps to get out pieces stuck between them. It would be best if you considered flossing gently at least twice a day.
Standard and mint floss make for a more enjoyable experience, but they’re not the only options you have anymore. Many toothbrush manufacturers have also invested in floss-sticks that allow you to mount a predetermined insert and use it to clean your teeth. Water flossers can be helpful but don’t get the job done.
What to Avoid
Most dentists will let you know that sugar is the number one cause of cavities. It’s not just candy either. So many soft drinks demonstrate high sugar content that they are among the most dangerous things to happen to your teeth.
The carbonation in these beverages can wear away at tooth enamel and create cavities that provide the perfect place for bacteria to live. These bacteria feed on the sugar left behind in your mouth and erode the enamel because of the acid they produce. So try to avoid consuming too many sugary soft drinks.
Prevention is The Best Option
Many things can go wrong with your teeth, from chipped enamel to a deep cavity leading to an abscess. The most viable option is to prevent these issues from showing up.
To do that, you have to take proper care of your teeth at home. Your dentist may not be able to schedule a regular checkup for some time, so the onus falls on you. This responsibility needs to be taken seriously to ensure your dental health remains in the best shape.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
