Tips from Dr. John M. Purdy, Your El Paso Dentist
DAILY BRUSHING AND FLOSSING are staples to maintain healthy teeth and gums and keep bad breath at bay. But beyond that, many other things benefit your dental health and overall well-being. Read below for Dr. Purdy’s ten oral health tips.
#1 BRUSH TWICE A DAY
Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, known as the 2×2 rule, helps keep your teeth happy and healthy. Always brush with proper techniques using a soft bristle toothbrush and small circular motions not to damage soft tissues.
#2 FLOSS EVERY NIGHT
Flossing each night before teeth cleaning helps to remove lodge food where the toothbrush cannot reach. Failing to floss leaves small food particles between the teeth, leading to decay.
#3 REPLACE OLD TOOTHBRUSH
Generally, Dr. Purdy recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months or once the bristles start to fray. Frayed toothbrushes don’t clean the teeth appropriately and can even cause damage to your gums. After brushing, always rinse your toothbrush well and store it upright to dry.
#4 DENTAL VISITS EVERY SIX MONTHS
Besides brushing and flossing, six-month checkups with your dentist in El Paso, TX., helps catch dental issues before they take hold in your mouth. Your teeth benefit from a thorough professional cleaning and a buff and polish for a sparkly smile.
#5 EAT A HEALTHY DIET
A diet full of foods that strengthen your teeth, like leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, almonds, yogurt, and cheese, is one of the best ways to avoid dental decay. Overly sweetened processed foods and drinks play a massive negative role in long-term dental health. Adding foods to your diet high in calcium can help support strong and healthy teeth. Speak to Dr. Purdy, your dentist in El Paso, for the best diet recommendations for optimal oral health.
#6 DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS
Brushing and flossing are fundamental for dental prevention. Still, keeping your teeth in tip-top condition by incorporating supplemental aids into your routine is a fantastic idea. Consider mouthwash, oral irrigators, and tongue cleaners. You should use these hygiene products only in addition to regular brushing and flossing.
#7 DRINK WATER
Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy saliva flow, preventing food particles from getting stuck in between your teeth where bacteria thrive.
#8 STOP SMOKING IMMEDIATELY
Smoking stains teeth and causes severe health issues that lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. Quit smoking immediately for your overall health.
#9 ASK ABOUT DENTAL SEALANTS
Dental sealants fill in the grooves of your molars to protect your teeth from cavities. Children and teens are often the best candidates for dental sealants, as they usually don’t brush as well as adults. Although, sealants are helpful for patients of every age.
#10 SELF EXAMINE REGULARLY
While regular 6-month checkups are excellent for prevention, issues can develop in-between your visits. Because of this, it is a great idea always to keep an eye on any changes you may see. Make scanning the inside of your mouth part of your daily dental routine, and let your dentist know of any concerns at your next appointment.
How Can Your El Paso Dentist Help You?
John M. Purdy DDS is here to guide you with the best oral care tips and dental care services to maintain your oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile. Please schedule an appointment today at our state-of-the-art dental practice in El Paso, Texas.
Ask about our other dental services like dental implants and cosmetic dentistry treatments. We hope to see your smiling faces again at our Mesa or McRae dental practice!