Most people know that they are supposed to brush and floss their teeth regularly and schedule dental appointments to ensure optimal dental health. However, you can integrate even more suggestions into your daily routine to ensure that your teeth are in the best shape possible.
Use a Mouthwash
Chances are that you’ve used mouthwash in the past, and you may remember how clean your mouth felt after giving it a good rinse. Using mouthwash on a daily basis can help to eliminate bacteria that grow. Perhaps you have avoided mouthwash because you don’t like the sting that some brands can produce. Fortunately, more gentle formulas have appeared on the market, so you can find more than one that doesn’t offend your taste buds.
Choose Foods Wisely
While giving up your morning cup of coffee probably isn’t going to happen any time soon, you can evaluate how often you consume foods and drinks that stain or otherwise decay your teeth. As you are working to reduce the amount of these substances that you eat, you may find that you’re on your way to an overall more healthy diet.
Pay Attention to Pain and Sensitivity
If your tooth bothers you one time when you’re eating something extremely cold or hot, a problem may not exist. However, if you’re constantly feeling pain or sensitivities when consuming certain products, a larger problem could lie under the surface. Consider keeping a record of which foods and drinks bother you so that you can share accurate information with your dentist.
Watch for Cracks
Biting into an apple or some peanut brittle is often a delectable way to enjoy the afternoon, but you might hear one of your teeth crunch in the process. A broken tooth could open up the door to infections or other problems, so you’ll want to schedule an appointment right away to have the issue examined.
Note Odors
Waking up in the morning with less-than-fresh breath isn’t unusual, but if you’re noticing a foul scent even after you go through your daily dental care routine, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. The problem may be fairly benign and easy to resolve, or you may need to explore more extensive treatment options.
Awareness of your dental health is key. When you get to know how your teeth respond to certain stimuli, you can have a better sense as to whether a minor or major issue is coming into fruition.
