Good oral care is important, and a family dentist can show you how to care for your teeth at home.  Many people understand the importance of caring for their body like preventing the common cold by washing hands, eating the right nutritional foods, and exercising to prevent heart disease and diabetes. Simultaneously, teeth and gums are often forgotten and taken for granted when they shouldn’t be.  In fact, the majority of U.S. adults will experience tooth loss at some point in their lives, something that can be prevented with good oral health care.

One way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is to have your teeth cleaned and examined twice a year.  Bacteria and plaque can form in hard to reach places that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone.  Professional teeth cleanings can remove the bacteria by reaching into these places.  This is important for giving teeth and gums their best shot at staying healthy.  Regular oral health issues like gum disease can even be stopped and the damage reversed with professional teeth cleanings.

Your family dentist will also provide tips and information on how to properly care for your teeth at-home.  Dr. Bodnar advises patients to do the following:

• Carry a toothbrush with you.  Too often, people wait until the end of the day to brush their teeth.  This leaves sugar and bacteria on your teeth throughout the day from the large amount of snacks, drinks, and meals that are consumed.  A cookie after lunch can leave sugar on your teeth until bedtime, allowing plenty of time for bacteria to form.  This is not healthy and can be easily prevented by simply carrying a soft toothbrush with you and using it throughout the day after meals or snacks.  You can purchase a travel size brush at your local drug store.
• Floss daily.  This is a routine that many people have never formed but is extremely important to good oral health care.  Food particles and bacteria can become trapped in between teeth.  Without flossing it will remain there and the bacteria will be allowed to grow and spread.  In addition to causing health concerns, not flossing can also cause bad breath.
• Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash.  Additional bacteria can be killed using an antiseptic mouthwash on a daily basis.  Simply rinse and gargle to kill lingering germs.  This is also helpful during the cold season.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.  Over time, the minerals that protect teeth start to wear away.  Mineralization is important for keeping teeth strong. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste places minerals directly onto your teeth that can start to strengthen it again.
• Drink water.  Staying hydrated will help your body create saliva which will naturally wash away bacteria inside of your mouth.  Drink plenty of water to fight tooth decay and freshen your breath.

By following a comprehensive oral health care routine at home, and visiting the family dentist twice a year, you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease from forming. Keeping your teeth healthy will prevent oral pain and the need for more intense restorative procedures in the future.