If you want to keep your teeth in good shape, it’s important to take the time to learn what you can about your dental care. There are many things you can do to stay on top of your teeth, from brushing to flossing. The Dentist Chapel Hill NC is available to provide excellent dental care.

Here are some tips from a professional dentist to get you started.

Brushing

If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, then you need to practice proper dental care. This includes regular visits to a dentist and a routine at home. In addition, you should brush and floss at least once a day.

Brushing your teeth is important for removing plaque, which is a sticky biofilm containing bacteria. Plaque can cause cavities and gum disease. A good brushing technique can also help prevent other ailments like periodontitis and gingivitis.

To keep your mouth and teeth clean, you should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. The best way to do this is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth.

When you brush, make sure to focus on each tooth individually. You can do this by holding the brush at a 45 degree angle against the gumline.

Flossing

Flossing is a must if you want to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Failure to floss can lead to tartar, cavities, and gum disease. The process takes time, but flossing can reduce your chances of developing these problems.

Flossing also removes plaque, which is a sticky film that forms in your mouth after meals. Plaque can also cause bad breath. Leaving plaque on your teeth for a long time causes tartar, which is a buildup of bacteria and acids.

While the American Dental Association has a longstanding recommendation to floss, many people still don’t. Many dentists believe that the benefits of flossing outweigh any potential risks.

Flossing should be done daily to help remove bacteria and food particles. Unlike brushing, which focuses on removing plaque from the surface of your teeth, flossing works on the interdental spaces, the areas between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t get to.

Avoiding smoking

The importance of avoiding smoking as part of dental care is evident. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide. It is also one of the leading causes of oral cancer.

Dental professionals have the unique role to play in the fight against tobacco use. They can help smokers quit through repeated interventions.

However, many dental professionals have not taken advantage of available smoking cessation services. They have also cited a lack of knowledge of available referral resources. Developing more effective strategies to fight smoking in the dental practice could be a priority.

In addition, dentists should offer different approaches to patients. For example, light smokers may receive a brief smoking cessation advice and heavy smokers may be referred to smoking cessation specialists.

Foods high in calcium

A calcium-rich diet is vital for your dental health. If you are not sure how to get enough, there are a number of tasty and convenient sources available. Visiting your dentist every six months is the best way to keep your teeth healthy.

Dairy products are one of the best sources of calcium. You can get about 20% of your daily requirements from a cup of milk. Those who are lactose intolerant may also want to look into soy-based alternatives.

Another source of calcium is leafy greens. These are packed with vitamins and minerals and are low in calories. One cup of spinach provides 30 mg of the mineral. It is also a good source of fiber.

Sesame seeds are another excellent source of the mineral. Each tablespoon contains nine grams of the stuff and delivers a decent 7% of your DV.

Fluoride toothpaste

Toothpaste with fluoride is a popular option for fighting plaque. It slows the development of acid produced by the bacteria in plaque. When combined with regular brushing and flossing, it helps protect your teeth from decay.

Fluoride toothpaste is especially beneficial for people who are at high risk for cavities. This includes children, teenagers, and people who are on medications that cause dry mouth.

If your child is at risk for tooth decay, he or she may be prescribed a fluoride toothpaste. You should always monitor his or her use of toothpaste.

Some fluoride toothpastes offer additional benefits such as tartar control and breath freshening. These products are designed to be applied directly to the teeth.

Children under six years old are rarely recommended to use toothpaste with fluoride. Those younger than three should be supervised closely when using toothpaste.