It is Oral Health Month and we are celebrating at Appletree Dental by providing some extra resources for our patients – present and future! There is a lot of false information out there when it comes to the best ways to take care of your teeth, so we are here to set the record straight. While some things won’t make or break the health of your smile, some things are a MUST. Check out some things you can start doing (or stop doing) for optimal dental health.
Let’s Get it Started
If you are reading this dental blog, then chances are you are not a complete beginner when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Some of these tips you may already be doing – but read closely – you could be doing them better.
- Brush Daily (obviously). No, but really – everyone from the age of one (yep, it starts that early) should be brushing their teeth twice per day for two minutes each time.
- Become Friends with the Dentist. Okay, you don’t need to be inviting them to your birthday party or anything (I mean, we never say no to cake) but having a good relationship with your dentist should be a priority. A visit to the dentist at least twice per year for a routine cleaning, exam, and x-rays is the BEST thing you can do for your teeth. If you never brush your teeth again (please do), at the very least . . . see your dentist!
- Buy the Best. The best does not mean the most expensive. Choose toothbrushes with soft bristles to avoid damaging your enamel, buy toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen your teeth and combat cavities, and look for any floss that gets the job done.
Just Stop
If you start doing the things above, you are already heads and tails (and teeth) above many others. If you want to take your oral health to the next level, stop doing these things:
- Using Unsafe Products. Most people want a bright, white smile. Sadly, not everyone goes about this the safe way. Over-the-counter whitening products are incredibly harmful. Not only do they contain toxic chemicals, but the ingredients eat away the enamel of your teeth (something you can never get back). If you want white teeth, you can come to see our team at Appletree! In-house dental whitening is safe for your enamel and effective. You will even see results in as little as one visit.
- Sugar Consumption. Sugar in moderation (like eating cake at your birthday party) is fine. However, consuming sugar in huge quantities is very dangerous for your health and your teeth. Not only will sugar impact your waistline and cause devastating health effects like heart disease and diabetes, but a diet high in sugar is also the leading cause of cavities and tooth decay. So, stop your afternoon soda break and opt for water, tea, or even sugar-free coffee if you need that extra caffeine boost. There are many new healthy products on the market that contain stevia or monk fruit that are better alternatives for your teeth.
Committed to Oral Health
Our team at Appletree Dental is committed to oral health. That is why we serve the Denver community at two separate locations. Please visit our website to schedule an appointment. We can provide extra resources for obtaining and keeping a healthy mouth. In addition, new patients get their first exam, set of x-rays, and cleaning for just $59!
Happy Oral Health Month – cheers to better smiles all over Colorado!