Efficient Dental Tips from Our Stuart Dentist to Improve Your Smile
A reputable Stuart dentist is always on your side regarding dental health. This is why they’ll provide you not only with top-quality services and comfort during your appointment but also crucial dental health tips once you’re out of the office.
However, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you may need to brush up on some techniques that can seriously turn your dental health around.
Keep reading to learn the top dental hygiene hacks your dentist wants you to know!
1. Cut Down Your Sugar Consumption
Remember that it’s not the amount of sugar you eat per day that’s an issue for your dental health–it’s the frequency! The more often you eat and drink sugary items, the greater buildup of lactic acid in your mouth that can eat away at the enamel of your teeth.
Whenever you eat or drink something with large amounts of sugar, make sure you’re brushing your teeth or swishing your mouth with water afterward. However, it’s much easier to cut down on eating sugary items throughout the day and instead wait for dessert.
2. Xylitol is the Mouth’s Best Friend
Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute that’s found in fruits and vegetables. Commonly found in sugar-free chewing gum, it has many benefits if you’re craving sugar but don’t want to impact your oral health.
The reason why it’s so effective is that it stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, meaning that food particles, bacteria, and plaque aren’t lingering on your teeth. It can also help remineralize and protect your teeth in combination with fluoride.
Bacteria also can’t digest xylitol, so you won’t have to worry about acids building up in your teeth when it’s time to enjoy a sweet treat.
Keep in mind that xylitol is toxic for dogs, so make sure to store your food containing the ingredient away from prying eyes.
3. Brush at the Right Time
Lastly, many people are unaware that there’s a right time to brush your teeth. The main benefit of brushing is removing food particles and plaque and applying fluoride to your teeth. This fluoride helps protect your teeth from cavities and also remineralizes them.
With this in mind, it’s important that you brush as soon as you wake up to create a barrier of protection before eating breakfast. Moreover, if you like to brush after eating, it’s important to wait between 30 minutes to an hour before you do. Otherwise, you can damage your enamel because of the softening effects of acids in the food you eat.
Remember not to swish your mouth with water after brushing! The longer the fluoride from toothpaste sits on your teeth, the more effective it works.
Follow These Hacks from Your Stuart Dentist
If you’re struggling with your dental health, taking these tips to heart will slowly but surely turn your dental health around.
Focus on cutting down the frequency of how often you’re eating sugary foods and drinking sugary drinks. Next, utilize xylitol if you suffer from dry mouth or want a sweet treat that won’t harm your teeth. And lastly, make sure you’re brushing at the correct times.
Of course, your dental hygiene isn’t complete without regular visits to the dentists, and your Stuart dentist is here to help. Schedule an appointment with us today, and we’ll become your partners in dental health!
