Dental care is an important part of your health – not just for you, but for your whole family. Whether you only have your own teeth to look after or you have a couple of kids to keep in check too, here are 5 handy tips to remember.

1. Find tried and tested dentists

It’s important to find a reliable and respected dentist. The last thing you want is to trust your health to a practice that is inexperienced or understaffed. A good place to get a feel for a dentist’s experience and professionalism is their website.  Ideally, this should include details about the services they offer and some case studies to support the quality of their work. The website of Oasis Dental Studio (a team of Gold Coast dentists) is a good example of this. If you are in North Carolina, I recommend the Dentist in Mount Airy, because they provide the highest quality care for you and your family’s pearly whites.

2. Treat your dentist like family

Once you’ve found a dentist who is perfect for you, treat them like you would your family’s GP. Make them your go-to when there’s a problem and don’t be afraid to have regular check-ups. As with any health issue, catching a dental problem early can save you money, time and stress.

3. Tobacco and teeth don’t mix

Tobacco is one of the most common contributors to gum disease. Even if quitting is not on the cards right now, try to at least cut back on the cigarettes – doing so can help your teeth stay healthier and look whiter.

4. A tip for the sweet-tooths

If you just can’t resist sugary snacks and desserts, look for sweet substitutes for your usual food choices. Fresh strawberries instead of strawberry cupcakes will make your teeth smile as much as you do. Sugary juice can be another secret culprit; look for fresh-squeezed options instead of flavoured drinks or concentrates.

5. Floss regularly

Dentists can’t say this enough and yet not many people actually do it. At the best of times, it’s a chore. At the worst of times, it may even be painful. The trick is to keep it up daily and it will get easier. Toothbrushes were designed to brush the surface of your teeth, not the gaps in between. To give your mouth a full clean, you need a full team of dental supplies.

Not all of these tips are easy. However, they will help protect you and your family from tooth decay. Just like the rest of your body, following a few simple tips on a regular basis can keep sickness at bay.