The arrival of fall brings a lot of changes to the air and the foods we consume. Halloween and other holidays can lead to consumption of sugar, and that can be bad for your teeth.
There are many things you can do to take care of your teeth at this time of year. Drinking water, eating the right foods, seeing the dentist in Willowbrook IL and replacing your toothbrush can all help you maintain good oral hygiene at this time of year.
Stay Hydrated
Saliva coats your teeth and moistens your mouth while also flushing out bacteria. Saliva also helps prevent bad breath and gum disease.
Drinking plenty of water helps your body produce saliva. In most communities, tap water also contains fluoride that strengthens your tooth enamel.
Drink water throughout the day. How much water? About 16 cups for men and 12 cups for women, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Focus on a Healthy Diet
Take care of your teeth by eating healthy meals. Some of the best foods for your teeth include calcium-rich foods like cheese and milk, crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots, and leafy greens. These foods can help strengthen your tooth enamel, and some foods (like crunchy vegetables) actually help clean your teeth as you chew.
Buy a New Toothbrush
Toothbrushes wear out over time, and when that happens, they stop working as well as they should. Replacing your toothbrush every three months helps ensure that your teeth are being properly cleaned. If you have the budget for it, try buying an electric toothbrush.
Electric toothbrushes have a special oscillating motion that breaks up food particles and cleans teeth extra well. Most electric toothbrushes also have a built-in timer to help users brush their teeth for the recommended 2 minutes.
Know the Signs of Dental Trouble
Watch for symptoms of dental problems and make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice them.
- Tooth pain
- Swelling around the tooth
- Swollen, bleeding gums
- Unexplained, persistent bad breath
- Loose permanent teeth
Schedule a Dental Cleaning
This time of year is hard on your teeth. Between holidays and Halloween, you might be consuming a lot of extra sugar. Get ahead of the game! Schedule a dental cleaning in Willowbrook, IL.