According to a study by the American Dental Association, millennials aren’t doing a very good job of taking care of their teeth. In fact, approximately 37 percent of Americans aged 18 to 33 say that their life is less satisfying in some way because of the condition of their mouth and teeth. The study goes on to report that 33 percent of young adults avoid smiling because of the condition of their teeth, and 30 percent have untreated tooth decay (the highest of any age group).

Having healthy teeth is an important part of your overall health, and the truth is, good dental care can be pretty easy and straightforward if you remain proactive. At Gentle Care Dentistry in Azusa, CA, we like to empower our patients to take care of their teeth in order to prevent future problems. Extensive dental work can become costly very quickly, making it much less expensive to take care of your teeth in the first place. The following are some recommendations for proper dental care and lifestyle habits that can keep your teeth healthy.

Tip #1 – Never skip brushing your teeth before bed

We get it, you’re tired and it’s tempting to let your head hit the pillow and skip the brushing, but it is crucial to a healthy mouth. At night, saliva production decreases which is the body’s best defense against bacteria in the mouth. When you don’t brush your teeth, plaque will begin to build up. Eventually, if the plaque isn’t properly removed it can turn into tartar, a hard, yellow substance that can really only be removed by the hygienist or dentist with special tools.

Tip #2 – Brush the right way

It’s not just the number of times you brush, it’s also how you brush the teeth. In order to remove as much plaque as a possible, take your time and brush all surfaces of your teeth in a gentle, circular pattern. Use an electric toothbrush if you wish. Also, don’t forget the tongue! Plaque can also build up on the tongue and cause foul smelling breath.

Tip # 3 – Don’t forget to floss

Flossing serves many important roles. Not only does it help dislodge food debris that gets stuck between the teeth, but it’s also responsible for reducing plaque and minimizing gum inflammation. You only have to floss once each day to gain the benefits from it. If you find flossing difficult, try grabbing some of the ready-to-use floss aids from the store.

Tip #4 – Start using mouthwash

Mouthwash may just seem like one extra step that you don’t have time for, but the truth is, from start to finish, it should only take you about 3-4 minutes to complete an at home dental care routine. Mouthwash helps reduce acidity in the mouth, clean the surface are of the teeth, and re-mineralize teeth. It can also improve bad breath.

Tip # 4 – Stay hydrated

Most people do not drink enough water. Water is important to overall health, but can also help keep your mouth healthy. Drinking plenty of water can help wash away bacteria left by foods and beverages in between brushing.

Tip # 5 – Eat a healthy, well balanced diet

Eating a nutritious diet is good for a comprehensive wellness plan. Crunchy fruits and vegetables have a lot of fiber and are great for fighting plaque build-up. Try to limit sugary and acidic food such as coffee, tea, soda, and certain fruits, as they can erode tooth enamel and discolor teeth.

Tip # 6 – See the dentist every six months

Twice yearly dental appointments are an important part of your oral health. During these appointments we provide check-ups, cleanings, and x-rays as needed. Professional dental cleanings will remove tartar buildup that can lead to decay and gum disease. Additionally, a dentist can identify potential issues early, before the damage has become too extensive.

By getting into the habit of eating a healthy diet, visiting the dentist regularly, and establishing a good at home dental care routine, you can enjoy a healthy mouth and a healthy body. As a good reminder, always make an appointment as soon as possible when you are experiencing tooth pain, before it develops into a dental emergency. To learn more about our dental care services at Gentle Care Dentistry, call +1 626-466-9596.

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