Many families are staying home and avoiding unnecessary trips to town and places with crowds. To help, we’re currently only offering emergency services for our patients. But that doesn’t mean you have to let your oral health suffer! In today’s blog, your Omaha, NE, dentist offers tips for keeping smiles healthy from home!
The Factors Behind Cavities and Periodontal Disease
Two very common oral health threats are cavities and gum disease. When we don’t take proper care of our smiles, and we eat foods and drinks high in sugar, this feeds harmful oral bacteria and allows plaque buildup to accumulate on the surfaces of the teeth. Plaque then erodes the enamel and allows bacteria to reach the inner structure, causing a cavity to form. The same buildup also irritates and inflames the gum tissue, causing gingivitis and periodontal disease unless removed. Which means to protect your smile, you need to limit the severity of plaque buildup. Fortunately, this is very possible!
Brushing Your Teeth
To help control plaque and protect your smile, you should brush your teeth when you wake up and once again before going to bed. Each session should last about two minutes. We also recommend using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You can use an electric or a manual one, just as long as you use soft bristles (which helps minimize inadvertent damage to the outer enamel).
Proper Flossing
You also need to floss every night before going to bed. Use a floss tape or a pick, moving the tape up and down each side of every tooth, to remove the bits of trapped food that a toothbrush’s bristles cannot reach. This is essential for avoid cavities and gum disease!
What About Your Diet?
In addition to daily care, you also need to eat and drink items without a high amount of sugar, as this won’t feed harmful oral bacteria. We suggest avoiding candy and chips, instead opting for nuts, cheeses, low-fat yogurts, sugar-free gum, fruits, and vegetables. Drink more water too! Try to avoid sodas, fruit juices, sports drinks, and energy drinks. The items you choose the eat and drink are a major factor in the risk of cavities and gum disease. If you have any questions about caring for your smile from home, then contact our team today. If you find yourself faced with a dental emergency, then we can help!
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
Our team would like to help you and your family keep your smiles healthy. To learn more about maintaining healthy smiles, then schedule a consultation by calling Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today at (402) 330-2243. We also serve the residents of Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, Millard, and all surrounding communities.
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