Preventive Dentistry Tips for a Healthy Smile

Many common oral health problems can be prevented with proper oral care. General dentistry treatments combined with proper oral hygiene can keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Montreal dentist Roni S. Berbari offers these preventive dentistry tips to help you maintain a healthy smile.

Start Preventive Dental Care Early

Maintaining a healthy smile begins with good oral hygiene habits at a young age. Infants and children are just as susceptible to dental damage as adults. These dental care tips for infants and children can help your children enter adulthood with healthy teeth and gums.

• Start an oral hygiene routine as soon as teething begins: As soon as babies start teething, they will require a good oral hygiene regimen. After feedings, babies should have their teeth cleaned by gently wiping the teeth with a soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush or a moist gauze cloth. Once more than two consecutive teeth are present, parents should floss between each tooth.
• Schedule regular dental visits beginning at age 1: Young children should begin seeing their dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings around the age of one. Beginning young can help prevent dental anxiety, helping children become comfortable with seeing the dentist.
• Use toothpaste around age 2: Dentists generally recommend that children begin using toothpaste around the age of two since children at this age understand they need to spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
• Make sure children brush at least twice a day: Children should brush the teeth twice a day. Young children, typically those under five, may require help when brushing their teeth.
• Help young children floss: Flossing should begin as soon as two or more teeth touch. Toddlers and infants will need help from adults.

Practice Preventive Dental Care Into Adulthood

Good oral hygiene practices should extend into adulthood. Teenagers and adults can help prevent oral health issues with these dental tips:

• Brush at least twice a day: Brush your teeth at least twice a day everyday to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing should be done for two full minutes each time. Also, be sure to reach the back teeth and clean well along the gum line.
• Floss at least once a day: Flossing should be done at least once every day. When flossing, be sure to swipe the floss along each side of each tooth and as far along the gum line as possible.
• See your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups: Regular check-ups and cleanings are important for catching dental problems early and preventing plaque and tartar build up. Regular check-ups and cleanings should be done every six months.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks: Sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Limiting sugary foods and drinks can help prevent oral health problems.
• Rinse with water between brushings: Rinsing your mouth with water between meals can remove food remnants and neutralize acids to help reduce tooth erosion. 

Schedule an Appointment

For more tips about preventing dental damage or to find out which treatments are right for you, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berbari.