Keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy and smiles sparkling with these tips for avoiding toothaches and discomfort. Gum disease can lead to other problems in the body, including the risk of heart disease.   A few things you can do to improve your family’s oral health:  

Brush Twice a Day and Floss Daily

This is something most people know, but do they understand why it’s done is the bigger question. Brushing before you go to bed is especially important because food left in the mouth and on gums sit overnight for bacteria in your mouth to feed on. Also, changing your toothbrush regularly, every 3 or 4 months, prevents build up bacteria on your brush from entering your mouth during routine brushing.   Teenagers with braces may need to use a special toothbrush. These brushes make it easier to knock debris from between the corrective orthodontic equipment and the tooth. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist for an easier option in this case.  

Too Much Fluoride Can Hurt Your Teeth

Using too much fluoride on your child’s teeth can cause white spots on teeth to form. No more than a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste should be used on the toothbrush. If your toothpaste doesn’t contain fluoride, your dentist may suggest putting a fluoride application on your teeth.  

Teach Proper Dental Hygiene to Children Early

Many children, despite great improvements in decay prevention, start tooth decay before they start school. Dental care should begin as soon as the child’s first tooth comes in. This is usually around six months. Wipe the tooth with a clean, damp cloth. You may also use a very soft brush.   Is your family in need of a comprehensive dental exam? Yardley Dental Arts with Dr. Purvi Patel is ready to serve your family’s dental needs in Newtown, Langhorne, Princeton and surrounding areas.  

Get Healthy Teeth with These Tips for Families

To learn more about the solutions available to you, call Yardley Dental Arts at (215) 504-2400 and schedule a consultation.