9 Dental Preventions for Happy, Healthy Teeth

Keep Your Teeth Healthy and Strong for Life

About 30% of American adults aged 65 to 74 have no natural teeth left. The good news about this is that it means that two out of three older Americans still have at least some natural teeth.

Wouldn’t you love to maintain a mouthful of your own natural teeth? How do you get your teeth to stay healthy and strong for your whole life? We’ve got a few tips to keep you on the right track!

1. Use dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste.

At a minimum, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day. To reap even bigger benefits, use a toothpaste with fluoride.

It is impossible to replace or regrow tooth enamel once it has been destroyed. However, before it gets to that point it starts losing minerals as it weakens. Fluoride helps to remineralize and strengthen the enamel to keep your teeth happy. 

2. Consider professional in-office fluoride products.

Some people may benefit from professional in-office fluoride treatments to help strengthen your enamel. However, there is such a thing as too much fluoride, so this isn’t necessarily for everyone. Talk to your dentist about whether fluoride treatment is a good idea for you. 

3. Get sealants.

Tooth decay sets in when bacteria have a chance to sit on your teeth and begin to dissolve the enamel. To help prevent this, dentists can cover some of your teeth with a protective plastic coating. This is typically placed on the chewing surfaces of your molars (the teeth in the back). Studies show that this can prevent 80% of cavities over two years. Now that is something to smile about! 

4. Switch out sugary foods for fiber-rich snacks.

Sugar is the enemy when it comes to healthy teeth. It provides the fuel that tooth decay–-causing bacteria need to thrive.

Instead of sugary foods, try chowing down on fiber-rich snacks like apples, carrots, and celery. These types of foods will help clean your teeth and gums and keep them in tip-top shape.

5. Drink anti-inflammatory liquids.

This nasty bacteria that we keep talking about also triggers an inflammatory response in your body. This helps further the breakdown of the tissues in your mouth. Combat the inflammation by consuming anti-inflammatory liquids, such as a lemon and turmeric tonic, and enjoy healthier teeth. 

6. Schedule a dental appointment.

Regular dental appointments are a vital part of keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Professional cleanings will remove all traces of plaque and tartar—the sticky and hard substances, respectively, that give bacteria a place to live on your teeth. 

Furthermore, your dentist will catch the beginnings of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral issues. All of these are easier to treat when they are caught early and the likelihood of losing your tooth because of it is far less.

Don’t have a good family dentist near Anchorage yet? Give us a call if you need an appointment or dental advice—we’re happy to help!

7. Prioritize care before you lose more of your teeth.

Already lost a tooth or two? Don’t give up. This just means you need to step up your game a little so you don’t lose more teeth. 

Thankfully, good dental hygiene doesn’t take much. Prioritize your daily brushing and flossing routines as well as visit your dentist often.

8. Brush up on brushing up.

Do you know how to properly brush your teeth? Most people will respond right away that of course they do!

In reality, only about 10% of people know how to brush their teeth correctly. Brushing too hard can wear your gums away and brushing too softly won’t be effective at removing stubborn debris. You should brush in a circular pattern instead of back and forth for better results. 

It’s also important to clean the bacteria from all the surfaces in your mouth—that includes your tongue.

9. How to revitalize your at-home routine.

Take a look at your daily dental habits and evaluate how well you’re doing. Are you brushing and flossing twice a day? Are you brushing correctly? Do you avoid sugary foods and soft drinks?

If you’re not sure, talk with your dentist about any changes you should make to your dental care routine. 

Ready for a healthy mouth?

Be one of the two-thirds of Americans who make it to their golden years with at least some of their teeth intact. Now, with generally easy access to dentistry for the entire family, it’s easier than ever to keep your teeth strong and happy.

Looking for a good family dentist near Anchorage? Look no further than the Valley Dental Clinic. With extensive experience in all the most common types of dental issues and preventative care, our dentists can help you maintain optimum dental health. We can also recommend a more stringent at-home routine if you feel your current one isn’t working. 

Book your appointment today!