When it comes to food, you just can’t get enough. You love sweet foods, savory foods, and everything in between. While there’s nothing wrong with having a sweet tooth and enjoying the art of cooking, you do have to be mindful of your dental hygiene. Those sweet treats can hurt our oral health if we aren’t careful. As such, it is always good to have a list of dentists on standby; check out emergency dentistry treatments available in Catoosa for a start.

Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, you might have to do more to protect your mouth from your favorite foods. Not all foods are healthy for your teeth, so it’s best to educate yourself about the realities of oral health. Today, approximately 91% of Americans between the ages of 20 and 64 have some kind of tooth decay. Let’s help protect your teeth with these tips below.
Most Common Tooth Problems
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1. Understand the Most Common Tooth Problems

First, you must understand the most common problems people face with their teeth. If you’ve visited the dentist recently, you’ve probably heard your hygienist warn you about some of these. While they might seem harmless, they can quickly develop into a bigger problem if you aren’t careful.
  • Tooth decay - Also known as cavities, this is when the enamel of your teeth has been harmed by the bacteria in plaque.
  • Gum disease - When plaque builds up along and under your gum line, an infection is formed called gingivitis. The most common sign of this is bleeding when brushing your teeth.
  • Bad breath - Known medically as halitosis, this can be from any number of dental conditions.
  • Periodontal disease - If gum disease goes untreated, it can become a more severe form known as periodontal disease.
  • Tooth sensitivity - Finally, the increased sensitivity of the teeth can come from a cracked tooth, abscess, or enamel decay. 


2. Utilize Your Dental Insurance

Aside from knowing what to look out for, you need the proper foundation to start caring correctly for your teeth. This begins by making sure you have dental insurance. Find the best dental insurance online or on the health insurance marketplace. From there, make sure you have enough coverage for any existing treatment. In most cases, there will be a waiting period for more severe problems like fillings, extractions, or crowns.

With dental insurance, you’ll usually get two free cleanings a year and an annual exam included. Take advantage of these things by visiting your dentist regularly for those cleanings. Even with perfect oral hygiene, these cleanings ensure everything is extra healthy. You can do only so much cleaning yourself, and your hygienist will have much better tools to get the job done.
Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods
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3. Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods

Not all foods are good for your teeth. Knowing what foods help your teeth become stronger is critical to creating a diet that produces good oral health. You want to find foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, broccoli, and kale. Otherwise, look for foods with probiotics that promote healthy gums, like yogurt and miso. It’s a good idea to avoid excess sugar when possible since this leads to tooth decay.
 

4. Know When to Brush and Floss

Brushing and flossing are great, but only when you do them at the right time. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. If possible, brush immediately after enjoying a meal, especially if it is a high sugar meal.

You should always floss at least once a day, but between meals is even better. When choosing a toothpaste, choose one with fluoride, which helps strengthen your tooth enamel. Not all toothpaste includes fluoride, so always check the label. Finally, replace your toothbrush every 3 months to ensure it’s in good working condition. 

Take Good Care of Your Oral Health

Your oral health is about more than making sure your teeth look great. They should also feel great. That comes with the proper oral hygiene routine, something that’s especially important if you’re a food addict.

We all love a delicious meal or treat. Yet, don’t let your love of food get in the way of your health. Take your oral health routine seriously to ensure your pearly whites last long.