Your adult teeth start appearing from as young as six years old and, in most cases, they are all present by the time you hit your teenage years. The only exception is your wisdom teeth. If these come through it usually happens as you turn 18, although the exact age can vary.
These teeth then have to last you for the rest of your life. That’s a long time. However, considering one of the most common fossil parts found is teeth, it’s possible for them to last thousands of years.
All you have to do is learn the best ways to keep your adult teeth healthy.
A Daily Routine
The first step is the most obvious but it is essential if you want to keep your teeth healthy. You can use a manual toothbrush or an electric one. But, whichever you choose, you need to brush with it for at least two minutes twice a day.
Don’t push too hard as this can cause damage to your gum. You should also avoid brushing for 20 minutes after you eat, this helps to prevent you from brushing the acid produced by food into your teeth.
Alongside this, make sure you floss between your teeth at least once every day. It removes the debris that toothbrushes can’t reach.
Your Dentist
To make sure your daily routine is working properly you need to locate a good dentist. If you’re searching for one try this dentist St Leonards. A good dentist will check the condition of your teeth, offer advice regarding your daily routine, and will spot any issues early. This will allow them to deal with the problem before it becomes too serious.
It’s important to visit your dentist at least once a year although you can go more often if they recommend you to.
Avoid Snacking
One of the biggest threats to your teeth is food. The problem is that modern food is full of sugars, salts, and artificial preservatives. These gang up when inside you, increasing your weight and attacking your teeth. The sugars react with bacteria in your mouth to create acid. This attacks the enamel on your teeth.
You can reduce the threat by skipping the snacks. Aim to eat only at mealtimes and make sure you think about what you are eating. Wherever possible you should avoid processed foods and it’s especially important to steer clear of sodas that are high in sugar.
After eating you should also rinse your mouth with water or a non-alcoholic mouthwash. This dilutes the acid making it less effective.
Check With Your Doctor
Your mouth naturally produces saliva which serves several purposes, including diluting the acid that attacks your teeth. Unfortunately, some people develop dry mouth, a condition where their mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. It can be a result of an infection or disease, it can also be a side effect of medication.
If you develop a dry mouth check with your doctor to find the cause. This will allow you to correct it and help to keep your teeth healthy.