Submitted by: Dr. Butch Hutchison

Great dental health is not just important for your mouth, but great dental health is the key to your overall health. Here are five important tips for great dental health. If you follow these five tips, you ll be on the right track for a healthy life.

1. Choose the right toothbrush.

2. Choose the right toothpaste.

3. Use fluoride regularly.

4. Floss regularly.

5. Eat well and have a healthy, balanced diet.

1. Choose the right toothbrush.

Choosing and using the right toothbrush can significantly help you improve your dental health. The differences between toothbrushes goes far beyond simply choosing which color you like the most. Instead, you have to choose between different kinds of heads, different styles of necks, and different bristles.

Rather than worrying too much about the angle of the neck and the taper of the head, worry about the toothbrush s bristles. Don t choose one with firm bristles because you think that it will clean your teeth better. Firm toothbrushes can actually damage your gums, and be harmful to your teeth, especially if they are sensitive. Instead, choose a toothbrush that has bristles labeled soft. The toothbrush should also have round-ended bristles.

Choose a toothbrush with a head size to match your mouth size. For example, if your mouth is small, get a smaller headed toothbrush.

Make sure that you choose a toothbrush that has the American Dental Association (ADA) stamp of approval on the package.

Replace your toothbrush every two or three months. Also, if you have a cold, buy a new toothbrush after you recover, since germs will stay in the bristles.

2. Choose the right toothpaste

Choosing the right toothpaste can help ensure that you protect your teeth well. The wrong toothpaste will actually end up hurting your teeth.

Choose toothpaste that has fluoride as its main ingredient. Also make sure that the toothpaste that you choose isn t overly abrasive. If it is, then it will end up hurting your teeth, and bacteria can accumulate in the grooves left in your teeth.

While toothpastes advertise that they can work all kinds of wonders, buy only toothpaste that has the American Dental Association seal of approval on it. If the ADA has given the toothpaste its approval, then you know that it has proven its claims to the ADA.

If you have tartar on your teeth, remember that tartar-control toothpaste can only help prevent tartar buildup. It cannot remove tartar from your teeth.

3. Use fluoride regularly

Fluoride is one of the most important agents to help you maintain strong teeth. Because some states don t offer fluoridated water, you might have to provide fluoride another way. You can purchase toothpastes that have fluoride in them. You should also use a fluoride mouth wash. Talk to your dentist about fluoride pills for your kids.

4. Floss regularly

Regularly flossing is the best way for you to prevent buildup and cavity development along the gum line and between your teeth. It doesn t matter what kind of floss you buy; it s just important that you floss regularly and frequently.

5. Eat well, and have a healthy, balanced diet.

Certain kinds of food can actually weaken and hurt your teeth. Sugar is the biggest enemy, and it s not just the sugar that you find in candy bars and soda. The sugars in fruit and in any dairy products are a problem too. This doesn t mean necessarily that you should never eat raisins, dried fruit, yogurt, or anything else; it means that you should brush often and well, after every meal and snack.

Certain foods can help you fight tooth decay. Some examples are Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, aged cheddar, and peanuts.

About the Author: Dr. Butch Hutchison, DDS, is a leading Fort Worth dentist. Dr. Hutchison and the Fort Worth Dental Center specialize in Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. Visit the

ftworthsmilecenter.com

or call (817) 361-5620 for more information

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