Tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body, but it is non-renewable. Because of that, it is essential to not neglect or abuse our teeth. At OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City, we emphasize that daily oral hygiene is vital for your enamel, and for your dental health.
Even though every drug store carries hard bristle brushes, we counsel our patients to brush with a soft brush after every meal to gently clean away food particles. Scrub too hard, and you can erode enamel. It is ideal to brush immediately after eating, but brushing within 60 minutes of a meal has benefits. The quicker you remove food from your teeth, the better it is for your enamel.
Flossing regularly is also vital to keep gums healthy. Whether the food is on tooth surfaces or hidden in between, it is not doing your enamel any good.
We recommend a checkup and extensive cleaning every six months. Our experienced hygienists remove tartar, a substance that attracts plaque to the surface of the teeth and can weaken tooth structures. Regular checkups prevent issues and save you money on pricey restorations down the road.
Remember: don’t use your teeth for opening packages! Keep scissors and bottle openers handy. At OKC Smiles, we see damaged teeth and dental work as a result of patients using their teeth as tools. Biting down on something too hard, like ice or hard candy can also impair enamel.
We hope you find these tips useful. OKC Smiles in Oklahoma City offers general dentistry for your dental health, and cosmetic dentistry for your beautiful smile. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact OKC Smiles:
405-634-7303
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13900 S Western Ave, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
73170
