Dental health should be a priority for everyone. Our smiles are often the first thing people notice about us. If you take good care of your teeth, you’re less likely to develop problems like staining, decay, and tooth loss. However, if you do happen to need urgent dental care, go for emergency dentistry services in Catoosa for the best treatment. If you’re eager to show off a beautiful, healthy looking smile, here are some family-friendly tips to take on board.

Going to the dentist

Many people feel anxious about going to the dentist, but routine checks are quick and painless. If you keep up to date with regular appointments, you’ll reduce your risk of dental disease significantly. Ideally, most dentists recommend checkups for children and adults every 6-12 months. It’s hugely beneficial to take kids to a family dentist from an early age. If they go when they’re little, they get used to the sights and sounds. This helps them to adjust to the dental office and reduces the risk of anxiety when they’re older. Seeing a dentist also helps to improve dental health. Your dentist can also keep an eye on potential problems, such as orthodontic issues. These problems tend to be common in children. They affect the bite, which is the relationship between the upper and lower sets of teeth. 

Teeth cleaning

Good oral hygiene makes a massive difference to your oral health. When you brush, you remove bacteria and food debris from the mouth. If this is left, it can combine with saliva to form plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance. It clings to the surfaces of the teeth and the gum line. It is the main risk factor for decay and gum disease. When you clean your teeth, take care to do a thorough job. Cover every surface of every tooth. Choose a brush with a small head so that you can reach into the corners. Angle the head of the brush to cover the gum line. If you have young children, supervise them when they brush, and help them guide the brush around the mouth. Be gentle when you brush. Cleaning vigorously can damage the enamel. Set a timer or brush along to your favorite song. This will help to ensure you brush for the recommended period. 

Healthy eating

Bear your teeth and gums in mind when you’re doing your weekly shop. Try and avoid meals and snacks with high sugar content and acidic drinks. Snacking can be harmful to your teeth, as it increases the frequency of plaque acid attacks. Stick to three meals a day instead. If you do want something to keep you going, choose sugar-free foods. Always wait for an hour after eating to brush your teeth. When you eat, acids attack your enamel and weaken it temporarily. If you brush at this stage, you can damage the enamel. Foods that are good for oral health include dairy products, fruit and vegetables, and nuts. Foods to avoid include dried fruit, cakes, biscuits, and candy. 

We all want to show off radiant pearly whites when we open our mouths. Follow these simple tips for healthy, bright smiles!