Preventative Dentistry Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy By Dr. Tanner on November 27, 2014

Preventing oral health problems is key to keeping your smile looking and functioning at its best. You can take simple steps to reduce gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. Practicing proper oral hygiene daily and seeking treatment for dental damage are all important to ensuring a healthy smile. Dr. Patrick Tanner offers a variety of restorative dentistry treatments to help get your oral health back on track. Schedule a consultation at our Ogden office to learn more about available treatments. In the meantime, try these preventative dentistry tips.

Begin Good Oral Hygiene Habits Early

Regular brushing and flossing can help reduce the risk of cavities. Help your children begin a lifelong commitment to good oral hygiene with these tips:

Babies' teeth should be cleaned after feedings: Once babies start teething, steps should be taken to prevent dental damage. A soft bristled, child-sized toothbrush or moist gauze pad should be used to gently clean the teeth after feedings.
Begin regular dental visits around the age of 1: Children should begin seeing a dentist for regular dental exams around the age of 1. Starting dental visits young also helps children see dentist visits as routine and nothing to fear.
Start flossing when two or more teeth touch: As soon as two teeth come in next to each other, flossing will need to be done at least once a day. Parents should floss their children's teeth until they are able to do so on their own.
Brush at least twice a day: Children and adults alike need to brush at least twice a day. Parents will need to brush young children's teeth until children have developed proper brushing skills.

Carry Good Oral Hygiene Habits into Adulthood

Good oral hygiene requires a lifelong commitment. Teaching children proper brushing and flossing habits will help set them up for success into adolescent and adulthood. That being said, it's never too late to start taking care of your oral health. Teens and adults can benefit from these preventative dentistry tips:

Brush at least twice a day: Brushing is vital to removing harmful plaque and bacteria from the teeth. Brush at least twice a day, paying special attention to the gum line and back teeth, to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Be sure to brush for at least two full minutes at each brushing.
Floss at least once a day: Flossing is important for removing plaque and tartar between the teeth and at the gum line. Floss at least once a day, sweeping the floss up on down on each side of each tooth to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Don't skip dental checkups or professional cleanings: Regular dental check-ups should be performed at least every six months. Dental exams and cleanings are important for catching dental issues early and keeping the teeth free of tartar and plaque.
Avoid sugary, acidic foods and drinks: Sugary, acidic foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay. Avoiding foods and drinks, like soft drinks and sweets, can reduce the risk of dental decay.