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Healthy Oral Habits for the Whole Family

The health of your family is at number one priority. You, as a parent, strive to ensure that your family is super healthy and attains a good quality o...

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The health of your family is at number one priority. You, as a parent, strive to ensure that your family is super healthy and attains a good quality of life. Besides other health concerns, dental health is also essential to achieve good well-being. Good well-being comes from consuming a nutritious diet, exercising, maintaining healthy oral habits, leading a good life, and protecting oneself from diseases.  

 

Countless bacteria live inside our mouths, and maintaining good oral hygiene is imperative to defeat them. Many bacteria can cause gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and other problems. As a parent, you must understand healthy oral habits to protect your family's dental health. Also, you can encourage your family members to adopt the correct oral practices for a healthy smile. Here we have enlisted some practical tips to say goodbye to harmful bacteria by focusing on healthy oral habits. So, let's get started.   

 

Make A Dental Calendar for Your Family as A Reminder 

 

A dental calendar will help you enlist your family's daily dental health requirements. Make a dental calendar for your family that will remind them of their daily tasks. You can consult an oral health specialist in this regard to discuss oral health needs for optimal health. Guide your family in that manner, especially your children and the elderly. Then, ask your family members to check off their daily oral health responsibilities. Besides many other benefits, it will have two main advantages. First, your family will take care of their oral health needs. Second, they would keep an eye on other family members and compare their checklists with theirs. It will make them aware of what others are doing and what they need to improve. 

 

Replace Old Toothbrushes and Toothpaste with Something New 

 

Children must be taught with fun and creative ideas. They like to adopt things in that way. Ensure that your family uses their toothbrush for only 2-3 months. After that, it's essential to change it to avoid oral health illnesses. If an old toothbrush is kept for so long, it is less effective at cleaning plaque. Besides causing tooth discoloration, plaque is responsible for many other problems, such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, etc. 

 Healthy Oral Habits for the Whole Family 

During your next shopping trip, let your children pick their toothbrushes and toothpaste. Let them pick their favorite-colored toothbrushes and toothpaste. However, ensure that they choose from the kids' section and that the toothpaste has fluoride. 

 

Let Your Family Master the Art of Brushing and Flossing 

 

Experts say brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential. Flossing must also be done regularly. Brushing and flossing seem easy; however, they must practice them correctly. Otherwise, it won't clean the plaque from and inside the gum line. Teach your family the proper technique for brushing and flossing. Here's what we have for you. 

 

  • Brushing technique: Use a soft-bristled brush and keep a fluoride toothpaste. Keep a circular motion, then scrub the teeth' back, front, and chewing surfaces. Do this for about 2-3 minutes; afterward, brush your tongue and roof. Now rinse and spit. 
  • Flossing technique: Flossing should be done at least once a day, and the most suitable time is in the evening. Take a floss pick or a string of floss. Run it down on one side and then up the other. Ensure that you go entirely down the gum line. It will help eliminate plaque attaching to each tooth's surface. When your floss gets dirty, it's time to switch off. 

 

“If you don't brush and floss, you will likely give your dentist a big tip”. 

 

Use Mouthwash for Added Protection 

 

A mouthwash helps reduce bacteria in your mouth and gives added protection against it. Also, it increases the chances of cleanliness against plaque, besides brushing and flossing. Regular use of antimicrobial mouthwash helps prevent gum disease and cavity formation. 

 

Visit a family dentist near you to know which mouthwash is best for your family. Also, teach your children about using mouthwash before buying it. 

 

Ensure That Your Family Is Getting the Right Amount of Fluoride 

 

Fluoride is a natural mineral that contributes to healthy tooth enamel. It fights harmful bacteria and cavities and helps repair the damage caused by these acids. This process is known as remineralization, commonly known as the "tooth repair process." During remineralization, the weakened tooth enamel is strengthened, and the lost minerals are restored to optimal oral health. 

 

Today, many communities have fluoridated water to reduce the prevalence of cavities. If your community doesn't have fluoridated water, you can have other sources of fluoride. For instance, fluoride toothpaste, dental products such as mouthwash, and certain fruits and vegetables. 

 

Ensure that your family gets the right fluoride content as per their age. It is imperative to consult a dentist who might refer to fluoride treatment for your children. 

 

Keep A Family Dentist and Have Regular Dental Checkups 

 

Keep a family dentist who lives nearby. Make a visit with your family to the dentist at least twice a year. Ensure that you take your children after every 3-4 months. Children are more fond of eating sugary and starchy foods, which increases the likelihood of cavities. Consistent dental visits will reduce the prevalence of holes or pits, and they can practice many preventative measures to maintain good oral health. 

 

Even if the elders in your family wear complete dentures, it's still essential to visit the dentist. It will help identify potential problems even before they occur. Tooth decay and gum disease, if treated well on time, reduce future oral health problems.   

 

Ask Everyone to Quit Bad Habits That Undermine Oral Health 

 

Smoking is a significant cause of gum disease in the United States and causes severe tooth discoloration. Also, it affects the soft tissue of the teeth, causing problems such as tartar or plaque buildup. Habits such as smoking and using tobacco severely undermine the health of the teeth and gums. Therefore, it's essential to quit them to enjoy better health. Moreover, beverages such as tea and coffee can also cause teeth staining. Stained teeth disrupt the quality of a smile, and then your family will have to consider treatment options such as teeth whitening. 

 

Besides bearing additional costs, such habits are also harmful to general health. For instance, smoking can lead to lung cancer, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, and so. Teach your children about the effects of smoking and too much caffeine beforehand. It will not only help maintain good oral hygiene but will also save them from many physical illnesses.   

 

Eat Healthily and Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods 

 Healthy Oral Habits for the Whole Family 

Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet is good for overall health. Sugary and acidic foods cause general health impairments and disrupt the tooth enamel. It may also accumulate plaque and tartar, further contributing to gum disease and tooth cavities. Eating healthy foods encourages better health for the whole body and teeth. Here we have enlisted a few healthy food options for your entire family. Let's check them out. 

 

  • Milk, yogurt, and cheese. 
  • Plenty of water. 
  • Crunchy veggies, such as carrots. 
  • Leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach. 
  • Pears and apples. 
  • Nuts, such as cashews, almonds, and walnuts. 
  • Fatty fish and meat. 
  • Raisins, strawberries, and cranberries. 

 

Takeaway 

 

Dental care is essential for maintaining optimal health. The earlier your family is introduced to oral health care needs, the better the results. It will also encourage a healthier lifestyle, and they will experience better oral health throughout their lives. The key is teaching your children in a fun way so they adopt the correct hygiene practices.   

 

Contact your Walnut Creek Dentist, Dr. Tiziana Procopio Towle, DDS at Procopio Towle Dental Office, to know more about Healthy Oral Habits for the Whole Family.

 

Resource:

 

Why is it necessary to have a family dentist?

 

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition*

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