Dentist in Midtown Manhattan
What is Oral Health?
According to a dentist in Midtown, Manhattan, not feeling pain when smiling, chewing, talking, and making facial expressions is a crucial aspect of good oral health.
Having a healthy mouth contributes to your overall health and well-being, regardless of your age. Dentists always speak about the importance of practicing excellent dental hygiene, but what does that entail? Being aware of the fundamentals of oral care can reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and keep your smile beautiful.
You might have a hard time determining whether you follow an adequate dental care routine. Still, by going back to the basics of oral hygiene, you can determine with more certainty if you are taking good care of your teeth and gums.
What Are the Oral Health Basics?
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water many times a day is beneficial, particularly if you enjoy munching on snacks. When you drink water, you wash away any potentially harmful food residue and other contaminants that accumulate on and between your teeth. Remember to never replace water with coffee, tea, or soft drinks because these drinks contain other staining and acidic substances that have the opposite effect on your dental health.
Avoid Sweet, Starchy, and Hard Foods
Eating meals high in acid can lead to dangerous germ buildups and severely eroded enamel. Also regulate your intake of sugary foods, such as cakes and chocolates, as this is a fantastic approach to promote oral health and avoid the detrimental effects of sugar on your smile. Finally, brushing your teeth after drinking coffee and tea or using tobacco products is a great habit to include in your oral hygiene routine, as these substances can wear down tooth enamel and leave dark stains on your teeth.
Use Mouth Rinse and Toothpaste with Fluoride
The worst nightmare for tooth enamel is being exposed to acid and bacteria. Fluoride, on the other hand, is enamel's best pal, as this mineral makes tooth enamel stronger and shields teeth against acid or bacterial attacks. Using fluoride-based toothpaste and a mouth rinse is the best way to guarantee you get an adequate dose of fluoride.
Floss and Brush Your Teeth Every Day
Most people have no trouble sticking to a regular brushing routine. Still, it can be more challenging to remember to floss and use mouthwash, other essential parts of excellent oral hygiene. Although these steps may not be required as frequently as brushing, using mouthwash and flossing at least once daily is an effective method to keep your mouth healthy. Further, brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush is vital. For many, a smart place to start is cleaning their teeth after they shower at night and after breakfast in the morning. Dental professionals caution against overbrushing, so be careful of not brushing aggressively of doing so too many times a day. Overbrushing, also called "toothbrush abrasion," can result in sensitive teeth and trouble eating hot and cold meals. In addition, vigorous brushing harms delicate gum tissue and may eventually cause it to recede, exposing delicate tooth roots and making them susceptible to decay and periodontal disease.
Are You Looking for a Dentist in Midtown, Manhattan?
Remember that prevention is always preferable to treatment, so take extra care of your teeth and schedule a routine checkup. Call us!