Apple Family Dental | Dentist in Longview, WA

Everyone surely knows that brushing and flossing each day is necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, many other things can benefit your oral health and overall well-being. Please read below for our top ten dental health tips.

#1 BRUSH AT LEAST TWICE A DAY 

Take care of your teeth by brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush for two minutes twice a day to remove the buildup of plaque and bacteria. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste and brush using small circular motions to avoid damaging the soft tissue, and brush your tongue well to fight bad breath. 

#2 DAILY FLOSSING

Floss each night before brushing to remove debris your toothbrush cannot dislodge. Skipping this vital step will leave bits of food particles that will decay and cause oral issues. 

#3 REPLACE FRAYED TOOTHBRUSHES

Change out your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months. Frayed, old toothbrushes don’t clean the tooth’s surface well and can damage gum tissue. In addition, rinse your toothbrush and store it upright to dry completely.

#4 BIANNUAL DENTAL VISITS

Regular six-month dental checkups allow your dentist in Longview to catch issues before a problem develops. During this visit, you get a thorough teeth cleaning from a hygienist to remove plaque and tartar and buff and polish your tooth enamel with a buff and polish for a sparkly smile.

#5 EAT A HEALTHY DIET

Each time you eat or drink sugary foods, your teeth are under an acid attack. The sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque and produces harmful acids. Avoiding foods and drinks high in sugars plays a massive role in long-term dental health. Include foods high in calcium that supports strong teeth, like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, almonds, yogurt, and cheese. 

#6 USE DENTAL PRODUCTS

Many supplemental aids can help keep your teeth in top condition by incorporating them into your routine. Consider using mouthwash, oral irrigators, interdental brushes, and tongue scrapers. These supplemental products can help support good oral health and should be used in addition to regular brushing and flossing.

#7 DRINK WATER

Staying hydrated with water helps maintain healthy saliva flow. It helps to move food particles through your mouth, preventing them from sticking between your teeth where bacteria can grow. 

#8 STOP SMOKING

The first thing to do for the health of your teeth and your overall health is to quit smoking immediately. Smoking causes tooth stains and severe health issues like gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. 

#9 DENTAL SEALANTS

Sealants are resin coatings applied to textured surfaces on the biting edge of molars and premolars to prevent cavities from forming in the grooved areas. The sealant is painted onto the teeth in our dental office, where it hardens into an almost clear plastic coating that sticks to the enamel and protects your teeth for years.

#10 EXAMINE REGULARLY 

While regular checkups with your dentist in Longview is an extraordinary preventive measure, issues can still develop between visits. Scan your mouth as part of your oral care routine. If anything seems different, share this information with your dentist at your next appointment.

Visit Your Dentist in Longview, Washington

Apple Family Dental in Longview, Washington, is here to guide you with the best dental hygiene tips. We want to help you maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile. Schedule an appointment at our dental practice today.