At James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics our goal is to help you keep and enjoy your natural smile. Developing healthy habits for teeth is a great way to prevent long-term dental problems.
Here are a few healthy habits that are easy to remember and good for your teeth.
Drink water after drinking soda.
Anything with sugar can cause tooth decay. If you are not ready to give up your favorite soft drink in the name of dental health, we have a solution for you. Drink water after you drink soda.
The water will help wash the sugar off your teeth and prevent it from sitting on your teeth for an extended amount of time.
Chew sugar-free gum.
Sugar-free gum stimulates your mouth to produce more saliva. This saliva helps protect your teeth. Chew your favorite sugar-free gum after meals.
Eat healthy.
Need another reason to develop healthier eating habits? Here is one: healthy eating habits are also good for your teeth. Reduce the amount of sugar you consume on a daily basis to prevent decay.
Wear a mouth guard during sporting activities.
Endodontics has helped many patients recover from serious tooth trauma. Many of these injuries could have been avoided simply by wearing a mouthguard. Most organized sporting events require players to wear mouthguards. It’s the casual sporting activities, when players don’t think to wear a mouthguard, that are the cause of most sport-related dental injuries.
Get a new toothbrush every 3 months.
Make sure your toothbrush and toothpaste are ADA approved. There is no substitute for having a good brushing routine. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Brushing your tongue helps get rid of additional bacteria that hides in your mouth.
Don’t use your teeth as a tool.
Many people fall prey to the habit that is using your teeth as a tool. Avoid using your teeth to open packages, undo difficult knots and other tasks that would otherwise require a pair of scissors or pliers.
Avoid chewing ice.
Love to chew ice? Unfortunately, this habit is bad for your teeth.
Visit your dentist every 6 months.
Regular dental check-ups are key to preventing small problems from becoming big ones. See your regular dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and inspection.
