The Importance of Dental Hygiene: 6 Strategies to Preventing Toothaches
If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how encompassing the pain can be. How can it be that such a small thing—a tooth—can cause so much pain? And the truth is you can get toothaches from many things. It could be as simple as a popcorn hull stuck between two teeth. Or, it could be something more serious, such as a broken tooth or an infection. Whatever the cause, toothaches are painful. Knowing how to prevent them, however, can be all the difference.
6 Strategies to Prevent Agonizing Toothaches
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are six common reasons you might develop a toothache. Those reasons are:
- A tooth has a cavity
- The tooth is abscessed
- The tooth developed a crack
- A filling or crown is damaged
- You grind your teeth at night or during the day (referred to as bruxism)
- You have gum disease
Of all of these reasons, the most common is that you have a cavity. That said, all of these reasons can be prevented by following some easy-to-follow strategies. Read on for more.
1. Practice effective brushing techniques.
One of the reasons that tooth decay develops is because we don’t adequately scrub away the plaque that forms on our teeth during the day. This can happen if we don’t brush often enough (be sure to brush twice daily), or are using an improper technique. To brush your teeth correctly, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-width) strokes.
There’s no need to apply too much pressure, as if you are brushing twice a day, you are brushing frequently enough to remove plaque before it hardens. Be sure to brush all the sides and the chewing surfaces as well. And the next time you walk through the dental aisle, pick up a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Need some additional help? Check out this helpful video from the American Dental Association.
2. Master the Art of Flossing
Flossing your teeth is almost as important as brushing—almost. Flossing can help remove food particles from places that your toothbrush just can’t reach, and it’s a great way to prevent gum disease. But, as with brushing, there is a bit of an art to the process.
To floss properly, wrap about 18 inches of dental floss around one of your middle fingers, with the rest wrapped around the opposite middle finger. Hold just a small amount of floss between your thumbs and forefingers and gently push the floss between your teeth. Move the floss up and down gently to cover all sides of the tooth. Not quite sure you are doing it right? This video about flossing from the American Dental Association can help.
3. The Power of Mouthwash
When you think of mouthwash, you probably just think of something that can help your breath smell minty fresh. And while that’s true, mouthwash does more than just give you fresh breath. Rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash after you brush and floss is an excellent way to wash away those food particles you loosened earlier in your oral hygiene process. The good news is you don’t need all that much to be effective. Rinsing with just four teaspoons of mouthwash can rid your mouth of all those particles.
4. Make Healthy Food Choices
Eating a healthy diet is important for more than just our body. Some foods promote oral health, too. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the foods that are best for your teeth and gums include:
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
- Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products
- Green and black teas
- Sugarless chewing gum
- Fluoridated drinking water
So, incorporate more of the above foods into your daily diet, and lessen or eliminate your intake of sticky candies and sweets, starchy foods that can get stuck in your mouth, and carbonated soft drinks.
5. Schedule regular dental check-ups for early detection and prevention.
You might think that dentists tell you to come every six months just to say hi, and that’s true, we do want to say hello as our approach to family dentistry in Wasilla means we care for each and every one of our patients as individuals. But we’ll be honest, there is more to it than that. Visiting the dentist every six months for a professional dental cleaning and oral evaluation is crucial for optimal oral health. During these regular check-ups, dentists can thoroughly assess the condition of your teeth and gums, comparing the collected information with your last visit.
This allows the best dentist in Wasilla to identify any changes in your dental health and determine potential causes. Professional cleanings play a significant role in this process as they remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. By addressing issues early on, dentists can prevent more extensive and costly treatments in the future. Thus, caring for your smile today through regular dental visits impacts your health positively in the long run.
6. Try Different Dental Tools
If your basic toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss aren’t cutting it, don’t hesitate to try new products. You may find that products, such as interdental brushes, tongue cleaners, and water flossers, do a better job of helping your mouth feel clean and fresh. A study published by PubMed Central indicates that the use of a water flosser can remove plaque nearly 90% more effectively than using traditional dental floss.
Get your next professional dental cleaning scheduled today and prevent future tooth pain.
Prioritizing regular visits to the dentist every six months is vital for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing potential dental problems such as toothaches. By trusting the expertise of professionals at Valley Dental Clinic, an Alaska family dentistry practice. Here you can promptly address any toothaches or discomfort and receive the necessary care. Take charge of your dental health today by requesting an appointment with Valley Dental Clinic and ensure a brighter, pain-free future for your smile.