Your teeth are as essential to your health, wellness, and physical function as any of your bones. Unlike your bones that are protected by muscle and skin, your teeth are directly exposed to hazards every single day. Because of this, it is important to take good care of your teeth.
At Living Water Clinic, our team of family medicine and primary care providers offer dental treatment to new and existing patients of all ages. If you need dental care, contact one of our locations in Porterville, Lindsay, or Visalia, California.
Here are some of the top care tips our team recommends when it comes to looking after your teeth.
Because your teeth are exposed to food and beverages that can cause decay and damage, you need to clean them regularly and correctly. Tooth decay from sugary foods and acids produced by bacteria create cavities in your dental enamel which may require fillings or crowns to keep them strong if decay further advances to threaten your oral health.
Brush at least twice a day using a gentle, circular motion with the toothbrush head. This will help ensure you completely clean all the surfaces of every one of your teeth. Don’t skip any spots! You should brush for about two minutes each time you set out to clean your teeth.
Flossing at least once every day is equally important. Flossing helps clear debris and harmful bacteria trapped in the nooks and crannies in between your teeth. Without flossing, these interdental spaces can become hot spots for tooth decay that will require dental intervention and treatment down the road.
Flossing also stimulates your gums and prevents gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss.
Making changes to your diet and daily habits may also help to protect your teeth and reduce your risk of tooth decay and tooth loss. Talk to the family medicine team at Living Water Clinic about the right approach for you.
You can minimize dental stress by eating fewer hard or sticky foods - popcorn, potato chips, hard candy, toffee, and dried fruits. If you do occasionally enjoy these foods, be sure to brush your teeth after eating them, or at least rinse your mouth. Chewing ice is another bad habit that stresses your dental enamel.
Some foods and beverages are more likely to increase dental stains and discoloration. If you’re concerned about the whiteness of your teeth, cutting back on coffee, red wine, cigarettes, and blueberries might be a good idea.
Foods aren’t the only potential risk to your teeth. Teeth can also be knocked out, chipped, broken, or otherwise damaged. In order to reduce your risks of tooth damage, use a mouth guard to protect yourself while playing contact sports. Some people also benefit from a nighttime mouth guard to reduce unconscious teeth grinding and its resulting wear-and-tear.
In addition to good habits at home, you can take care of your teeth by keeping up with your regularly-scheduled visits to a professional dental care provider. Getting regular professional cleanings at our family practice will boost your at-home dental hygiene routine.
We can also give you personalized advice and recommendations for better approaches to your at-home dental care. Also, with regular checkups and screenings, we can catch any emerging dentistry issues before they become severe, complicated, and more intensive to treat.
With help from the Living Water Clinic team, your whole family can get the needed dental care to support you in taking great care of your teeth.
As Living Water Clinic continues to recognize the importance of health and care for our patients, we are aiming to have dental services available in the 2023 year. By adding dental to the services we offer, we receive the opportunity to continue to show support, care, and love to our patients. Follow us on our social media platforms, @livingwaterclinic,
