Many American adults are unsatisfied with the condition of their teeth. Yet, many people also avoid routine dental care. It is sometimes easier to just put off the dental problem, rather than deal with it. However, the sooner that you begin to implement your healthy dental routine, the sooners you can be satisfied with your smile. A good dental care routine contains the following habits.
Brush and floss daily
One of the easiest things you can do for your healthy dental care is to brush and floss daily. It is recommended that you brush three times per day, after each main meal. You should also floss twice per day, once in the morning and again, in the evening. Only 22% of people claim to floss daily. Not only does avoiding flossing make routine dental cleanings more painful, but it can eventually lead to teeth that are damaged and broken. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, remember to change your toothbrush often. Toothbrushes should not last for more than six months. They need to be replaced often to properly clean your teeth.
Schedule dental cleanings twice per year
Your toothbrush and floss cannot get every part of your mouth. For this reason, it is also important to schedule dental cleanings twice per year. A dental cleaning gets into the deep areas and removed the plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot. During your bi annual dental cleanings, you will also have a checkup by your dentist. Your dentist will check your teeth for any cavities or other types of dental problems. The average time that people wait for another dental appointment is three years. This is not nearly enough dental visits for a healthy set of teeth.
Have cavities filled immediately
One of the problems with the dentist is that many people associate it with pain. They have previously had dental work completed that was painful, and thus, they do not return. However, the longer that you wait for needed dental procedures, the more pain that you are likely to feel. When a cavity is identified, it is important to have it filled immediately. Otherwise, the cavity will continue to break through the teeth. You can be left with sensitivity to eating and drinking, and an extremely painful mouth. This is another reason that twice per year dental checkups are so important. Your dentist can identify cavities, before they become too much of a problem.
Consider cosmetic procedures
Once you have developed a healthy dental routine, you can also improve the look of your teeth with cosmetic dentistry. If you have a broken or missing tooth, a dental implant can replace it with something that looks real. If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, consider going with invisible braces or porcelain veneers. For lower cost and lower procedure cosmetic corrections, teeth whitening is an option. Teeth whitening can remove staining caused by pop and coffees. Additionally, 82.5% of people saw a noticeable difference after having their teeth whitened by a dentist.
Protect your teeth during physical sports and labor
Once you develop a healthy dental routine and you are satisfied with your new smile, you will not want to risk it. Every day, Americans risk their teeth by playing in highly physical sports or engaging in high risk work, without protecting their teeth. There are mouth and teeth guards available that can effectively prevent damage to the teeth. Yet, many people do not wear them. Protecting your teeth can save you time, money, and pain by avoiding extensive dental procedures.
There are a surprising number of people who are not happy with the condition of their teeth. The first step in improving your smile is to develop a dental care routine. You should be brushing and flossing daily. Remember to change your toothbrush often. Schedule dental cleanings and checkups twice per year. Also, protect your teeth during sporting activities and work responsibilities. Eventually, you will have a smile that you can be proud of.
