Here at Brookside Dental, we want your teeth to last a lifetime! Tooth enamel is one of the strongest substances in the body, but it is non-renewable so it is vital to not neglect or abuse our teeth. Daily teeth and gum care is the best way to protect tooth enamel.
Even though every Portland drug store carries hard bristle brushes, we advise 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 essential to keep gums healthy. Whether the food is on tooth surfaces, or hidden in between, it is not doing your enamel any good.
Brian Westover DMD and Robert Kowal DDS recommends a checkup and extensive cleaning every six months. Our superb 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 costly restorations down the road.
Remember: don’t use your teeth for opening packages! Keep scissors and bottle openers handy. At Brookside Dental, 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.
Attention Gresham, Clackamas, and Gladstone 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 acid and/or sugar. Cut back, or at least use a straw. These drinks cause a lot of dental caries for non-water drinkers in the Portland area.
We hope you find these Brookside Dental tips useful. For more specifics on exceptional dental care, or to schedule an appointment, meet with our Clackamas family dentist office today at 503-905-3380!
Dr. Brian Westover DMD and Robert Kowal DDS
Brookside Dental
503-905-3380
9225 SE Sunnyside Rd Ste 1
Clackamas, Oregon 97015