I don’t have dental insurance: what are the basics I need to keep my mouth healthy?

smiling-young-lady-with-green-apple-smlTo keep your mouth and your teeth healthy:

  • Brush your teeth after every time you eat
  • If you can’t brush, finish your meal with an apple or a carrot (the crunchiness helps clean your teeth) and rinse your mouth with water
  • At least once per day, floss every tooth you want to keep
  • Don’t smoke or chew tobacco
  • Avoid sugary foods and drinks
  • Limit acidic beverages and foods
  • Choose calcium-rich foods to strengthen your bones and teeth
  • Use a toothpaste that fights plaque and gingivitis
  • Consider using an oral rinse that strengthen tooth enamel
  • Wear a mouth guard at night if you grind your teeth in your sleep
  • Wear a mouth guard when playing sports
  • Know what to do if you (or your child) loses or loosens a tooth due to accident or injury (learn more in our post How to treat a sports injury to your child’s teeth)
  • Never use your teeth as a substitute for a tool
  • Avoid chewing on extremely hard substances including food items like ice and hard candy
  • Contact our office and work out a plan for regular check-ups so you don’t let things go to the point you develop gum disease or cavities, which are costly to fix
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