Tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body, but it is non-renewable so it is important to not neglect or abuse our teeth. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry we advise practicing daily oral hygiene for optimal enamel health.
Even though every drug store carries hard bristle brushes, we advise our Boise area 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 critical 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 comprehensive cleaning every six months. Our savvy hygienists remove tartar, a substance that attracts plaque to the surface of the teeth and can weaken tooth structures. Regular checkups prevent problems and save you money on expensive restorations down the road.
Remember: don’t use your teeth for opening packages! Keep scissors and bottle openers handy. At Blaisdell Family Dentistry, 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 hurt enamel.
Attention Eagle, Boise, and Sun Valley athletes: be sure to use a mouthguard for team, contact, and recreational sports.
Teeth grinding is also a common dental threat. Be careful not to grind teeth, this can not only wear away enamel but also pave ways for cavities to get in. If you grind your teeth while you are sleeping, make an appointment to be fitted for a nightguard. Your enamel will thank you.
Lastly, remember: drink water. Coffee, sports drinks, soda, wine, and tea all contain a lot of acids and/or sugar. Cut back, or at least use a straw. These drinks cause a lot of decay for non-water drinkers in Boise.
We hope you find these Blaisdell Family Dentistry tips helpful. For more specifics on first-rate dental care, or to schedule an appointment, speak with our Boise family dentist office today!
Contact Blaisdell Family Dentistry:
208-377-9696
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8877 W Hackamore Dr
Boise, Idaho
83709