1. Brush teeth twice a day, in the morning and before going to bed

    Brushing teeth helps to largely reduce food debris and bacteria in mouth which may lead to inflammation over time if left alone. It’s suggested to adopt bass method to brush your teeth, at least twice a day. Brushing teeth before going to bed is particularly important. 

    2. Use fluoride toothpaste

    Serving well to prevent dental caries, toothpaste containing fluoride can be used since children are three years old. In general, a pea-sized toothpaste each time is enough for children, while for adults the amount used should be about 0.5 to one centimeters long. 

    3. Form healthy dietary habits.

    What you eat is closely linked with your dental health. As is suggested, foods high in sugar, carbonated beverages, cold or hot food and the like should be reduced on your diet list. What’s more, you have to rinse your mouth with water after enjoying sugary food and carbonated drinks, with a view to reduce harm to teeth. 

    4. Schedule regular dental check-ups

    With negligible symptoms at the early stage, dental issues like caries and periodontitis usually manage to escape people’s notice and evolve silently. It’s suggested to schedule regular dental check-up and cleaning, at least once a year, in order to prevent dental diseases. 

    5. Address oral diseases before pregnancy

    As for women who are prepared for pregnancy, thorough dental examination should be arranged in advance. If there are any dental issues, it’s necessary to have them fixed in time. Otherwise, the condition may deteriorate and make you suffer more during pregnancy. What’s worse, it will probably take a toll on the health of both the mother and the fetus. 

    6. Help your child maintain oral health

    Since the eruption of deciduous teeth, parents should begin to use soft gauze or finger brush to clean children’s teeth. As children grow older, parents should teach them how to brush teeth correctly and help them form a good brushing habit. If children have developed bad habits such as biting lips, protruding tongue and breathing through mouth, parents should help them kick such behaviors in order to prevent dental deformity. Besides, if there’s caries of deciduous teeth, parents should take them to a dentist and seek proper treatment in time, in case of obstructing the subsequent eruption of permanent teeth.

    7. Seek fit and fissure sealing for eligible children 

    Fit and fissure sealing refers to filling the fits and fissures on teeth with appropriate filling material, producing an even occlusal surface which will be less likely to trap food debris and harbor bacteria. As a result, the risk of developing cavities will be largely reduced. As an effective measure to prevent dental caries, the procedure should be sought for children at times when appropriate, especially for the first permanent molars which erupt at the age of about six. 

    8. Seek restorations for missing teeth in time

    Missing teeth will adversely impact both masticatory function and facial appearance, requiring timely restorations. Nowadays, there are different ways available to repair that, including partial denture, full denture, fixed bridge and dental implant. You can choose the right way that meets you dental condition and requirement. The longer you delay your treatment, the more difficult it will be to fix the problem. 

    Please feel free to contact me if there’s any dental problem. (WeChat ID: aiyuan325180)