Although there are ways to replace your teeth, once your permanent teeth come in when you are a teenager, you are going to want to do what you can to keep your permanent teeth for the rest of your life. You can achieve that goal by treating your teeth right.
Way #1: Use Toothpaste with Fluoride
When you choose your toothpaste, check the ingredient list and make sure the toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride is designed to help keep the enamel on your teeth hard. By hardening the enamel on your teeth, your risk of tooth decay decreases. Using toothpaste with fluoride can help you fight against cavities.
Way #2: Brush Correctly
It is not enough to brush your teeth; you want to make sure you brush correctly. You need to make sure that you brush your teeth for two to three minutes; a minute is not long enough to cover your entire mouth. As you brush your teeth, move the toothbrush in a circular motion in order to remove the greatest amount of plaque from your teeth. For even better results, use a soft electric toothbrush.
As you brush, make sure you also brush your gums. Plaque and bacteria can build on your gums just as easily as it can build on your teeth. Be sure to also brush your tongue, as bacteria can accumulate there as well.
Way #3: Protect Your Teeth When Playing Contact Sports
If you are playing a contact sport, take the time to protect your teeth. You should wear either a mouth guard or you should wear a full-face helmet when you are playing a contact sport. This will help protect you against force-related damage to your teeth.
Way #4: Only Use Your Teeth for Eating
You should only use your teeth for eating. You shouldn't use your teeth as a tool for other things. You shouldn't use your teeth to open things or to crack things, such as nuts. Use other tools to open things and use a cracking tool to deal with opening nuts. Using your teeth as a tool for things other than eating can increase the risk of damage to your teeth.
Way #5: Get Regular Check-Ups
You need to make sure you get regular check-ups with your dentist. Ideally, you should visit your dentist twice a year. At each visit, you should allow your dentist to deep clean and check your teeth. Once a year, you should get x-rays to identify issues with your teeth that may be hiding behind the surface of your teeth.
Invest in yourself and take good care of your teeth. Keeping your permanent teeth will save you from needing expensive and extensive dental work. Work with your dentist to keep your teeth in good shape.
For more information about dental care, contact a local dentist's office.
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