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Good oral hygiene habits are learned at an early age. Dr. Kenneth L. Childers and the staff at Montclair Dental Care, Oakland, California, begin teaching their young patients good oral hygiene habits as soon as their parents start bringing them to our office. Even our adult patients can have their good oral hygiene habits reinforced with regular visits to our office.
Sugary foods can damage the enamel that protects your teeth. If the enamel is damaged or starts to wear away, continuing to eat sugary foods can cause decay. Decay leads to cavities which will need to be filled. Instead of eating candy and sweets, try snacking on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Most dentists recommend brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal. For many people, that may be hard to do because of their work. It’s important, however, to remember to brush your teeth at least once a day. This will ensure that no food particles are left in your mouth to promote the growth of bacteria.
If brushing isn’t an option, a small amount of mouthwash can rinse food particles and bacteria away after you eat your meal. Swirl it around for a few seconds and expel it. Rinse again with plain water to make sure your teeth are clean.
Soft drinks contain massive amounts of sugar and other ingredients that can damage your teeth. Consuming soft drinks excessively can cause your tooth enamel to weaken, resulting in cavities and decay that could result in tooth loss.
One of the most important oral hygiene habits you must remember is to visit your dentist at least once a year for a thorough dental checkup. During your visit, your dentist can identify any potential problems you may have.
In Oakland, California, Dr. Kenneth L. Childers and his staff at Montclair Dental Care encourage all their patients to practice good oral hygiene habits. Call today at (510) 328-7792 to schedule your next dental cleaning!