Do you want the “tooth” and nothing but the “tooth?” Well, here it is: Having good teeth demands a lot of work. You may be born with a good set of pearly whites but if you fail to brush and floss twice a day, every day, like your parents told you to, those ivories will start to take on a stained shade. The color becomes even more pronounced when you smoke and drink heavily. Nothing wrong with a puff or two after a stressful day or a shot of something to celebrate, on occasion, but there is something wrong with not following some dental maintenance.
Visit your Friendly Neighborhood Dentist in Fort Lauderdale
This is where your friendly neighborhood dentist in Fort Lauderdale comes in. Your dentist is the key to maintaining good teeth which, as all dentists will tell you, leads to good health. So here are key dental health tips from a dentist. Fort Lauderdale residents would do well to follow each one.
Use toothpaste with fluoride.
Fluoride prevents cavities and tooth decay. You can also ask your dentist about certain types of mouthwashes with ingredients that fight plaque and tartar build-up.
Consider an electronic toothbrush.
Proper brushing takes a minimum of two minutes. An electronic toothbrush has a built-in timer that lets you brush in exactly two minutes, and you can even change the settings so that it beeps every 30 seconds telling you to shift brushing to a different part of your mouth.
See your dentist every six months — or as recommended by your specific dentist.
Regular trips to the dentist prevent any dental problem from escalating. When you get your teeth cleaned and checked, you help your dentist spot potential issues and stop them before they cause you big problems and bigger costs.
Go to a dentist you’ll like.
This is not just about choosing the dentist with the awesome chair-side manner. You want someone you’ll be comfortable enough with to disclose any dental problems or dental concerns. Communication with your dentist paves the way for better dental care.
Find a solution, immediately, for specific issues like teeth grinding or aggressive clenching.
Some dentists find that many patients have a problem with teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) or aggressive clenching — and they’re not even aware of it. Unresolved over time, this problem can quickly break down your teeth. According to a Fort Lauderdale dentist, restorative dentistry through fillings and crowns and even implants could help you regain the form and function of your teeth.
To stop the grinding, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard and offer stress-reducing tips; stress may be a contributor for bruxism.