If you ask me, dentists have got a tough gig. They have to deal with bad breath, bits of leftover food, and the fact that none of their patients really want to be there. Worst of all? Most people don’t listen to their advice. But we all want nice teeth, and we want to avoid getting a toothache or expensive dental surgery. To this end, here are five things that your dentist wishes you would do for your teeth.
Brush, Brush, Brush
Most people spend around 45 seconds brushing their teeth. However, the recommendation is a whole two minutes, morning and night. After what they see on a daily basis in their practices, dentists are begging you to put in the time. Though we are living in an age where porcelain or composite veneers and teeth whitening services are surging in popularity, remember that there is no shortcut to keeping your teeth healthy. Why not pop on your favorite tune, set a timer on your phone, or spend a few dollars on a two-minute hourglass. Then, be strategic about making sure you get each section of gum and every tooth in your mouth clean.
Invest in Electric
People have debated the manual vs electric point for many years, but now we finally have a definitive answer. An 11-year survey has proven that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes at keeping your pearly whites clean, reducing tooth decay, and optimizing gum health. The best models can also help you avoid brushing too hard and scrubbing the delicate enamel off the top of your teeth. They achieve this by stopping their rotation under pressure, prompting you to ease up.
Use Toothpaste with Fluoride in it
There has been a surge of people looking for all-natural products, with many consumers intent on using fluoride-free toothpaste. The advice from your dentist? Choose a toothpaste with fluoride. This is the only proven way to reduce your risk of cavities. While many countries include a small quantity of fluoride in the water supply, it isn’t sufficient to fight cavities. Besides, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. You will find it in most water sources, including the ocean, rivers, and lakes.
Minimize the Sugar in your Diet
We all know that lots of sugary foods and drinks are bad for your teeth, but did you know that bacteria in your mouth feed on residual sugar? The process can cause decay and stain your teeth. Next time you reach for a can of soft drink, knowing that it’s damaging your beautiful smile may be enough to make you think twice! Conversely, eating calcium and phosphorus-rich foods can help keep your teeth and enamel strong and healthy. Some of the best sources include fish, eggs, meat, cheese, green vegetables, and nuts.
Go to the Dentist Regularly
Heading to the dentist might not be your favorite activity, but the more regularly you go, the less painful it is. Dentists recommend booking every six months for a clean and a check-up to avoid developing major issues. Many people don’t realize that by the time decay is visible or causing pain, it is already very advanced. The earlier the dentist can identify a problem, the easier it is to fix and the less painful (and expensive) it will be.
So, have you been listening to your dentist? How many of the above tips are you following?