Are you struggling to keep your teeth healthy? It’s no small feat to maintain your oral health over your lifetime. Sadly, many people miss out on the support and education they need to keep their smiles as healthy as possible. At Scott Edwards DDS we understand how hard it can be, and have been coaching our patients on best care tips for many years.
If you are getting the hang of regular oral hygiene practices, or are teaching them to your children, check out our four top tips below! We only chose four because that’s all you really need to maintain a beautiful smile for a lifetime! It really is that easy! With just minutes a day, you can set yourself up for success with a brilliant smile.
And for the times when you need more support, don’t worry–you can always depend on our team at Scott Edwards DDS!
#1. Brushing
Regularly brushing your teeth is the best foundation for great oral health. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice every day, in the morning and evening. Brushing is important because it kills the nasty bacteria that can grow on your teeth and turn into plaque and tartar, leading to tooth decay and cavities. If you’ve ever dealt with a cavity before, you know just how painful and frustrating it can be. Brushing regularly reduces your chances of getting cavities and developing gum disease and other problems.
The goal when brushing is to gently and thoroughly scrub plaque and food particles off of your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This combination is your best bet to get your mouth really clean and kill bad bacteria. Use small circular motions to scrub all the surfaces of your teeth, ensuring to get in the deep grooves of your molars and around and behind every tooth. And don’t forget to scrub your tongue, too! Try to brush for at least two minutes every time, and after a good rinse and spit you should be feeling fresh and clean.
If you prefer to brush even more often, then you should do it! Some people like to brush after every meal to feel even cleaner and have fresher breath. Just be conscious about how hard you are scrubbing so that you don’t accidentally damage your gums. You can experiment to find a toothbrush style that you like, whether it be regular or electric, a toothpaste that works for you, and maybe even a mouthwash for some added germ-killing power if you like!
#2: Flossing
We know, we know, flossing is a tough one. So many people come into our office already feeling guilty saying that they know they don’t floss enough. It isn’t our intention to judge or shame people who have busy lives, but it’s also true that flossing is essential to maintaining healthy teeth over your lifetime.
Flossing will clear out the plaque and food particles that are trapped between teeth which can cause cavities and tooth decay when left on the teeth for too long. To floss, you simply need to grab a long piece of floss, wind it between your fingers, and pull it taught. Then slowly and gently floss it between each tooth, one at a time. Take care to avoid jamming the floss into your gum which will only cause pain and bleeding and won’t do anything to clean your teeth. Once pulled through your teeth, you can pull it side to side to scrub out debris from around each tooth.
If you are really struggling to floss after years of trying and failing to maintain the habit, you aren’t alone. In that case, you should look into some flossing alternatives like using a floss pick or a water flosser. These options can make it a little easier to maintain the habit. Whatever it takes to make the habit stick, that’s the best way for you to floss!
#3: Visit the Dentist
At Scott Edwards DDS, we have three board-certified dentists who have been trained for years to help you keep your teeth in great condition. Dr. Edwards, Dr. Prince, and Dr. Myers pride themselves on setting up their patients for long-term success with healthy and beautiful teeth. It’s important to go visit the dentist regularly so that they can track your progress, help solve any problems that may come up over time, and give you the deep cleaning you need.
Things like tartar buildup, fluoride treatments, cavity care, and so much more can’t be treated at home. That’s why we recommend twice-yearly visits for that deep cleaning and evaluation from a dentist.
#4: Pay Attention to Your Teeth
One of the easiest things you can do to help your overall oral health is by paying attention to how your teeth and mouth feel. Do you get consistent pain when chewing? How about sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods and drinks? Is there something new that you aren’t used to? These are all good signs that you should visit your dentist to get things checked out!
Simply by paying attention you can do so much to support yourself and your long-term health! It can also ensure that you don’t leave problems to grow and fester, turning into much bigger issues later on! Be sure to check in with your dentist if you notice unusual sensations or pain.
Find All the Dental Support You Need
If you are looking for a dream dental team to support your lifelong dental care then look no further than Scott Edwards DDS! We have been providing care in Midtown and East Memphis for years and are eager to add you to our roster of happy, healthy patients. Give us a call today to set up your own appointment!