Your teeth are an important part of your healthy body, allowing you to eat comfortably and smile easily. Taking care of them is important to your continued health. Keeping your teeth in good condition requires cooperation between you and your dentist, and includes the following important steps.

How to Care for Your Teeth

1. Brush Regularly

Twice a day, you should clean your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This helps remove plaque which could damage your teeth. Scrub firmly but gently with a circular motion, and make sure to reach all your tooth surfaces.

2. Floss Daily

Because your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth, you need to floss once each day, preferably in the evening so food residue and plaque don’t sit on the teeth overnight. Insert the floss into each space between your teeth, pull it against the tooth to form a U shape, and run the floss up and down. Then repeat this process on the other tooth before moving on to the next gap.

3. Eat Nutritious Food

Your teeth rely on a steady supply of minerals to replenish their enamel. Make sure to eat foods rich in calcium, like dairy products, and drink fluoridated water or consider a fluoride supplement under your dentist’s supervision. Also, avoid eating too many sugary foods, as sugar feeds oral bacteria.

4. Avoid Stains

Many foods and drinks leave lasting stains on your teeth, especially if you eat them often over time. The biggest offenders are coffee, tea, wine, soda, tomato paste, curry, and bright food dyes.

5. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Even dedicated dental hygiene isn’t always enough to fully protect your teeth, so enlist the help of a professional. Your dentist can identify any problem areas in your mouth, help correct any mistakes in your dental care routine, and provide deep cleaning and fluoride treatments to give your teeth a boost.

If you’re overdue for a trip to the dentist, schedule today with Helmbrecht Dental in Fairbanks, AK. Dr. Helmbrecht and Dr. Chang are pleased to offer restorative procedures such as fillings, as well as cosmetic dentistry options. They are currently adding Botox®, Invisalign®, and in-office teeth whitening to their range of services, and are happy to accept CareCredit and all major dental plans. To arrange an appointment, call (907) 456-1237 or get in touch online.