6 Important Ways to Protect Your Dental Health

A healthy smile is an indicator of your overall health and maintaining your dental health is of great importance in the long term. Healthy teeth and gums allow you to eat painlessly, carry out your speech properly and boost your self-confidence. In this article, I will share with you 6 important ways to protect your dental health. 

Dr. Kasapoglu recommends to protect your dental health 

1. Regular and proper tooth brushing: You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing should last at least two minutes and should be carefully applied to the front, back and chewing surfaces of each tooth. 
2. Flossing: You should floss to remove plaque and food debris that builds up between your teeth. Flossing regularly every day prevents plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and reduces the formation of cavities. 
3. Use mouthwash: Using a mouthwash reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth and promotes oral hygiene. By choosing a mouthwash with antiseptic properties, you can control bad breath and prevent gum disease. However, mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing. 
4. Healthy diet: A balanced and healthy diet is important for maintaining your dental health. You should try to limit the consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks and include foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and other vitamins in your diet. Such nutrients strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the formation of cavities. 
5. Use fluoride: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities. Using fluoride toothpaste is an effective way to strengthen your teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. You can also use fluoride mouthwash or fluoride applications as recommended by your dentist. 
6. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and alcohol consumption are factors that negatively affect dental health. Smoking is known to be a major cause of gum disease and tooth yellowing. Alcohol, on the other hand, can lead to dry mouth and can disrupt the pH balance in the mouth, paving the way for tooth decay. Therefore, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption can protect your dental health. 

Dr. Kasapoğlu Answers Frequently Asked Questions to Protect Your Dental Health

1. Which toothbrush should I use? : You should prefer a toothbrush with soft bristles. Soft bristles remove plaque without damaging the gums and protect tooth enamel. Electric toothbrushes can also provide effective cleaning, but they must be used in the right way. 
2. Should I floss my teeth? : Yes, flossing is recommended. While a toothbrush only cleans the visible surfaces of the teeth, flossing removes plaque and food debris between the teeth. Flossing helps prevent cavities between the teeth. 
3. Should I use mouthwash? : The use of mouthwash promotes oral hygiene. A mouthwash with antiseptic properties can reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and control bad breath. However, mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing. It is advisable to consult your dentist before using mouthwash. 
4. How can I maintain my dental health? : To maintain dental health, you should maintain basic hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing and using mouthwash regularly. You should also eat a healthy diet, limit smoking and alcohol consumption and go for regular dental check-ups. It is also important to follow your dentist’s recommendations and follow the advice given at regular check-ups.