Your teeth are one of very few parts of your body that can’t heal themselves. So it’s important to do everything you can to maintain their health so they can stay with you for a long, long time.
The basics: You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again. The most important things you can do to save your smile are to brush and floss regularly. You hear it all the time because it’s true, especially before bed. The longer food and bacteria stay in contact with your teeth the more damage they can do. When you’re sleeping, you aren’t talking or clearing your mouth with water or saliva so it’s important for you to remove as much food and bacteria as possible before you go to sleep.
When brushing isn’t practical: While brushing after each meal or snack is an ideal goal, it’s not always practical in today’s fast-paced world. You can help to defend your smile by rinsing your mouth with water or chewing sugarless gum after you eat.
Always rinse after the dangerous foods/drinks: Some of our favorite foods and drinks do the most damage to our teeth. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges and sugary drinks like sodas leave acid on your teeth that weaken the enamel. Sticky foods like caramel cling to your teeth, and starchy foods like potato chips get caught in between your teeth. The longer these things stay in contact with your teeth the more damage they can do. Get in the habit of rinsing your mouth with water after you eat or drink any of these. While it isn’t a substitute for brushing, rinsing these things quickly can go a long way towards saving your smile.
Guard against the grind: Many people habitually grind their teeth and they don’t even realize it. Does your spouse tell you that you grind your teeth in your sleep? Do you notice your jaw clenching tight when you’re stuck in traffic or working in front of your computer? If so, you’re probably a grinder. Think about how much force you use when you bite into something tough. As a grinder, that’s how much force you’re putting on your teeth on a regular basis. Over time this causes your teeth to crack and chip. You can prevent this by asking your dentist to fit you with a guard. Your teeth will be happy you did.
Help your teeth: Your teeth are one of the few parts of your body that cannot heal themselves. If you cut your hand it can heal on its own, but if you break a tooth it won’t get better without professional help. Some people feel that if a tooth stops hurting it’s gotten better. The opposite is true. Tooth pain is a sign of a serious problem and while it may subside for a time, it will most definitely come back, worse than it was when it started. At the first sign of pain, contact your dentist immediately. The sooner the tooth is treated the better.
Regular maintenance saves you money in the long run: Regular cleanings and exams give your dentist the ability to treat minor problems before they become major problems. With regular maintenance Dr. Perez will be able to spot trends in your dental health and help you to develop the best practices for keeping your smile the brightest it can be.
When in doubt, just ask: Dr. Perez and the professionals at Perez Family Dental pride themselves on their ability to help you understand your specific dental needs. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you have about your dental care and the best way to preserve your smile.