Oral health is an oft overlooked health regimen especially when it comes to the younger members of our Montreal communities of Lachine, Lasalle and Verdun. Still, a little education can go a long way towards remedying the situation. The following provides a quick rundown – a dentist’s mini-guide, if you will – on the best practices for maintaining great oral health in children – and adults as well!
- Brush after every meal to remove solids – While this advice is repeated almost ad nauseum, it is fundamental to preventing cavities in particular and to oral health in general. Not only does a thorough brushing remove solid particulates on the teeth but also helps to loosen and remove plaque from the surface of the the enamel.
- Floss at the end of every day to eliminate plaque between the teeth – Flossing is also an essential part of a good dental hygiene plan as the use of this tool goes a bit further than brushing to remove solid matter and plaque from between the teeth. In fact, this process is probably far more effective in removing cavity-inducing bacteria than traditional brushing.
- Watch what you eat – A healthy diet is one of the best ways to proactively guard and maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Soda and candy are acceptable once in a while but by simply restricting your children’s diet to such things as vegetables, yogurt, fruits and cheese, you can reduce the incidence of cavities by up to fifty percent.
- Pay attention to your teeth and report any pain as soon as possible – Your teeth are the best indicators of their own health. If you notice any sort of sharp pain, it is best to have it checked out as soon as possible. This advice does not necessarily refer to a generalized sensitivity to hot or cold foods but is definitely aimed at sharp pains experienced when a candy bar or other sweet treat is eaten.
- Regular dental check-ups – Finally, there is no better way to proactively protect the health of your teeth than to regularly consult with a dental professional. In other words, schedule a twice- yearly appointment with your dentist. Not only can these healthcare professionals tell you what is wrong at the time of your appointment but they can also identify any problems that may be brewing. In other words, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.