Establishing a healthy oral hygiene routine is incredibly important for everyone, particularly for young children so they can continue their habits into their next stage of life. Children also lead by example, so if they are watching their parents take part in an established oral hygiene routine, they will too. Good oral hygiene can prevent a variety of issues such as cavities, infections, gum disease, bad breath, etc., and improve the well-being of your entire family. We’ll outline some of the best ways to achieve and maintain your family’s oral health.
Follow These Tips So Your Family Can Maintain Healthy Teeth & Gums
Prevention is key when it comes to a healthy smile, therefore, it’s important for your whole family to prioritize the following:
Brush & Floss Daily
Everyone should brush their teeth twice a day. We recommend brushing once in the morning because as you sleep, the bacteria in your mouth can build, often causing “morning breath”. It’s also important to brush your teeth before you go to bed because as you eat throughout the day, the bacteria can build up but brushing can help remove plaque before you go to sleep and prevent it from turning into tartar. Flossing should be done once daily as well to remove leftover debris and clean along the gumline.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
We recommend booking dental check-up appointments every six months where we’ll provide regular dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing and examine your family member’s mouths for signs of issues. Regular check-ups allow us to detect issues and treat them early before they turn into more serious and costly problems.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
While you don’t have to completely remove it from your diet, limiting the amount of sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help your family maintain good oral health. A balanced diet that is low in sugar but high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can limit your family’s risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Use Mouthwash
Not only can mouthwash freshen up your breath, but it can also help kill lingering bacteria from your teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums and prevent plaque buildup. It’s best to buy a mouthwash that is alcohol-free and contains fluoride. We recommend using mouthwash 1-2 times per day.
Protect Your Teeth
If you or your children are involved in sports, you can protect your mouth from injuries with a custom-fitted mouthguard specifically designed to reduce the risk of concussions, cracked or loose teeth, jaw fractures, and more. Additionally, if any of your family members grind or clench their teeth, custom-made mouthguards to wear at night can be discussed to prevent wear and tear, reduce headaches, and other symptoms related to bruxism.
Choose a Dentist That Puts Everyone’s Needs First
Having a family dentist that puts each of your family member’s unique needs first is essential – you need a dentist who will listen to your concerns, provide personalized care, and work with you to create treatment plans that fit your needs. This is particularly important for family members who may have special needs, who have severe dental issues, or who are very anxious about visiting the dentist. Make sure your dental team takes the time to get to know your family, makes every effort to make everyone comfortable, and supports everyone in their decision-making and unique dental health journey.
It’s Vital to Take Care of Your Entire Family’s Oral Health
It’s very important to maintain your family member’s oral health by encouraging good dental hygiene practices – this includes brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, rinsing with mouthwash, booking regular dental appointments, wearing custom-fitted mouthguards, and choosing the best family dentist for you. Additionally, eating a well-balanced diet can help your family avoid cavities. Drinking plenty of water is also important to wash away food particles and bacteria and prevent dry mouth. Get started by giving Orchard Park Dental a call to book an appointment for you or a family member.