These days, bridges, dentures and dental implants are all reliable, effective ways to replace missing teeth. However, there is nothing quite like the original – your natural teeth! Practicing excellent oral care at home and seeking preventive care from a professional can help keep your natural teeth a part of your smile for as long as possible. May is National Save Your Tooth Month, so there is no better time than now to review some ways to prevent cavities and how to take action if tooth decay does occur. Keep reading below for some helpful advice from a dentist in Houston.
5 Preventive Oral Care Tips
The best way to maintain a healthy smile is to practice preventive oral care. Here are 5 tips to keep your smile in tip-top shape:
- #1: Brush Thoroughly – Don’t rush through the brush! The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for a full two minutes each time. Be sure to brush every side of your teeth – the inside, outside and chewing surfaces – for a thorough cleaning.
- #2: Eat Mouth-Healthy Foods – Eating fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and harmful acids. Dairy products like milk and cheese that are high in calcium can help keep your teeth healthy and strong, while eggs and beans contain valuable protein.
- #3: Substitute for Sugar – Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. If you have a sweet tooth, try substituting sugar-free seltzer water and chewing on a piece of sugar-free gum to satisfy your cravings.
- #4: Quit Tobacco – Tobacco use has been linked to a host of serious oral health problems, including increased risk of gum disease and oral cancer, among others.
- #5: See a Dentist Regularly – Regular trips to the dentist are key to catching oral health problems early before they can develop and worsen. The American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist every six months for a routine dental exam and cleaning.
How to Take Action to Save Damaged Teeth
While preventive oral care can help you maintain a healthy mouth in many cases, if tooth decay or severe dental damage does occur, it is important you take swift action to save your natural tooth.
One way to do this is through root canal therapy, a procedure to repair and save severely infected or damaged teeth. During a root canal, a dental professional cleans out the infected pulp tissue inside of the tooth, reshapes the inside of the root canal, and fills and seals off the space to prevent future infection.
Moreover, thanks to modern anesthesia and sedation dentistry, getting a root canal in Houston is no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling! In fact, the procedure is designed to relieve the pain caused by a damaged or infected tooth.
Remember, to preserve your natural teeth, preventive care is key! Follow the oral care tips above from a dentist in Houston to keep smiling for many years to come.
About the Author
With nearly 20 years of experience working in the dental field, Dr. Cher Rich has the skills and expertise to help patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. The Texas native offers an array of preventive care services at her conveniently located Houston practice. For more oral care tips or to learn more about root canal therapy, visit Dr. Rich’s website or call 281-469-6281.