We all have lots of excuses why we don't brush three times a day and floss at night, but no matter what your age, it's never too early or too late to start good dental health habits. And like all habits, (good and bad) once you start, they'll soon become part of your daily routine. Here are some suggestions on how you can take better care of your teeth:
Use a good quality toothbrush with soft, end-rounded bristles and change it every 2-3 months (or sooner if the bristles get worn or bent).
Use a toothpaste with fluoride and ask your dentist if you should use one with tartar control.
Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste at work so you can brush after lunch.
Make flossing part of your night-time routine. If you have children, they should be flossing by the time they are 8 or 9.
What you eat also affects your dental health - chew only sugarless gum and try to stay away from sugary candy. Sucking on hard candy is like giving your teeth a bath in sugar - so if you do, try to brush afterward.
Follow your dentist's recommendations on prevention if you tend to be susceptible to dental disease.
Of course, you can't always go through life avoiding everything that causes tooth decay, but you can try to develop good habits that prevent cavities and gum disease. After all, don't you want your teeth to last a lifetime?
