10 Building Blocks of Achieving Good Dental Health

1. Start Dental Care Early

You probably think the basic building blocks of dental care are something you learn as a child. 

Truth is, yeah, they should be. In fact, taking care of oral health should start before teeth even come in. The first appointment with the dentist should be within the first year. That way it is far easier to develop and retain a lifetime of good dental health habits.

2. Proper Dental Health Products

Your dental health arsenal should consist of a soft-bristle tooth brush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, and alcohol free mouthwash. 

Once you have all the right tools you can take care of your oral health at home. However, you also have to take care of your products too. 

Keep the toothbrush clean by rinsing it with hot water and storing it in an upright position, so it can air dry. 

Don't cap your toothbrush too often or store in a container, because this results in the growth of bacteria. Also, replace your brush every three months or when bristles start fraying.

3. Brush Twice a Day

Brushing at least twice a day is something everyone should know and practice. What few people know though, is proper technique. The basics of good brushing start with angling the bristles, aiming towards the gum line. Brush in gentle, circular motions working in quadrants. 

Make sure all surfaces of all teeth are cleaned. Finish with the tongue. This routine should take 2-3 minutes, or the length of one song. When you do it right, brushing will make up the foundation of optimal dental health.

4. Floss Once a Day

Again, just like brushing, flossing will be practically useless unless you follow proper technique. Don’t skimp on the floss, be gentle as you glide the line between teeth, and take it one tooth at a time to cover every hard to reach surface. Flossing should be more like brushing between teeth. You shouldn't snap the floss into your gums, but gently glide it up and down the edges of your teeth until it reaches the gum line.

5. Use Fluoride

If you want a strong and healthy smile, then you need fluoride. It is in food, water, toothpastes, and mouth rinses. 

The dentist can also provide fluoride treatments. But, follow the advice of your dentist and don’t take fluoride use too far, it causes fluoresces. So why is fluoride important for oral health? 

Your tooth looses and regains minerals daily. Sometimes the process is unbalanced and more minerals are lost than can be re-absorbed. 

Fluoride works to strengthen the enamel by absorbing minerals and preventing tooth decay.

6. Keep a Well Balanced Diet

Not only will the foods you choose affect your overall health, but also your gums and teeth. Too many sodas, fruit drinks, hard candies, and acidic foods will damage your smile. Instead choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, and low-fat dairy. Also, limit snacks and drinks besides water. This will promote healthy living and healthy teeth.

7. Get Proper Vitamins and Minerals

Along with diet, you should also make sure you maintain healthy amounts of vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and gums. Calcium and Vitamin D are at the forefront of minerals to help keep teeth resilient. Vitamin C helps to counteract bacteria and infection in the mouth. Iron will prevent development of sores in the mouth and swelling of the tongue. Meeting adequate amounts of these vitamins and minerals will be sure to keep you smiling.

8. Quit Smoking

Smoking has a lot of first hand affects on your dental health. Initially you might notice tooth discoloration, bad breath, and tartar buildup. Next usually comes gum disease, tooth loss, bone loss, and oral cancer. The problems only get worse from there and could possibly kill you. Just stop smoking!

9. Semi-Annual Check Ups

Another basic of dental health is visiting the dentist twice a year. These visit get you essential maintenance, preventative care, and professional exams and cleanings.

If you want healthy teeth and gums, then you need to keep up your routine visits to the dentist, no excuses.

10. Receive Proper Treatments

Do not put off dental care if you notice something that suggests a problem. Your teeth should never hurt, your gums should not be red or swollen, and you should not have persistent bad breath without reason. 

By getting early treatment, the dentist can provide less invasive and less expensive procedures to ensure a lifetime of good oral health. The longer you wait, the worse it will be for your pocketbook and your dental health.