There are many reasons in life to smile, one of which would be your teeth.
That said not everyone has the best experiences when it comes to their teeth.
Through genetics, not taking care of their teeth, or quite frankly bad luck over the years (accidents, breaks etc.), many people discover it to be an uphill battle to have nice, healthy teeth.
As a result, they end up without the nicest of teeth, not to mention some rather lengthy financial bills when all is said and done.
So, how can you give your teeth the best chance at staying with you for many decades to come?
Dentist is Your Best Friend
First and foremost, family dental care should be a priority from a young age on up.
With the right care, individuals can enjoy their teeth for many years to come, along with keeping their dental bills to a minimum.
If you’re not sure what you have been doing wrong in trying to keep your teeth healthy, keep these items on your to-do list:
- See a dentist regularly – While many people grew up with the routine of visiting the dentist every six months, others are lucky if they get there once a year (if that). In order to give your teeth a fighting chance, make sure to schedule regular dental visits (especially if you have children). Given that many insurance plans cover regular dental cleanings (sometimes prescribed X-rays too), there really is no reason to not see your dentist at least once a year. Your dentist can catch issues that you as the patient may not notice. From gingivitis to early forming cavities, your dentist can be your teeth’s best friend;
- Brush regularly – You’ve probably had this ingrained in your head since childhood, but brushing regularly truly does give your teeth the opportunity to last you many years. Along with flossing regularly, brushing is important for a number of reasons, notably because it holds you over in between dental visits. If you do notice any discomfort and/or bleeding, it may not necessarily be a problem. Some people’s gums bleed due to sensitivity, while some of that bleeding can be due to the fact you are actually getting in to areas that need attention. If you are having regular bleeding, notice foul breath, and see that your gum lines are receding and/or spacing between your teeth is becoming an issue, seek dental care as soon as possible;
- Avoid injuries – As tough as your teeth may be, they are susceptible to personal injury just as other parts of your body are. With that being the case, it is important to protect them as much as possible. If you play contact sports (especially children), be sure to wear a mouth-guard. Also be careful when eating foods that could easily break a tooth, things like hard candy, pretzels, nuts and more. If you do break a tooth or worse, seek medical help immediately;
- Eat the right foods and avoid sugary drinks – If you have to eat sweets, by all means brush as soon as possible afterwards. Foods that are high in sugary content and/or sticky can damage teeth over time. The same applies for sugary drinks (notably sodas). If you must drink soda, sipping it through a straw is better, along with making sure you brush your teeth as soon as possible. Along with being bad for your stomach due to its acidic content, sodas can eat away at teeth’s enamel, not to mention leave stains over time. Lastly, talk to your dentist about drinks that will not be harmful to your teeth. Drinking water is best of all, especially right after consuming a Coke or Pepsi.
Keeping your teeth healthy doesn’t have to be a painful and expensive task in life.
By starting with regular dental visits at an early age, continuing through much of your adulthood, and watching what you eat and drink, your teeth can literally last you the rest of your life.
As for those individuals afraid to go to the dentist, just think of what life would be like with many of your teeth missing over time.
Yep, that’s not something to smile over.