The most common times people stop to brush their teeth are morning and night – either before or after breakfast, after dinner, or at bedtime. Common concerns that come with this routine involve hiccups in the schedule, from family life, shift work or exhaustion.
Sometimes after dinner isn’t super cut and dried. Many Grand Prairie families face irregular weeknight routines. As the school year progresses, some have games to attend, band concerts, play practice, youth groups or other weeknight commitments. An irregular schedule often disrupts regular dental maintenance.
Many Grand Prairie workers have daily commutes or shift work to battle with. Due to the changing landscape of Arlington’s job market and the greater variety in shift schedules we see patients who are adjusting to irregularities in sleep patterns. This leads to exhaustion and often sleep takes priority over consistent brushing – either morning or night.
The most important time to be sure to brush is after eating sugar or carb-intensive foods. These foods kickstart bacteria growth on the teeth without vigilant attention.
Highly acidic foods weaken the enamel, so it is best to swish with water immediately after consuming acidic foods to reduce the acid. Then brush about 30 minutes later when the mouth is less acidic. The fluoride in toothpaste helps remineralize the enamel.
Dr. Stephen Ratcliff’s hygiene staff at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry has been assisting Texas families since 1990 to prevent hiccups in their dental routines. See how we demonstrate professional and educated instruction at https://www.myarlingtoncosmeticdentist.com/.
Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry provides more than just family dentistry or restorative dentistry. In addition to porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants, and Invisalign clear braces there is hygiene education, teeth whitening and cleanings to be discussed. Sure, the cost of cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers, invisalign braces and dental bridges can all seem confusing. The key is to stay on top of the essential habits that you can control. We can help you make sense of the other stuff.
Regular checkups are important for catching decay, infection or other troubles early so let us make an appointment for your next preventative visit and keep those hiccups from causing permanent damage. Call us at 817-274-7875 to schedule!
Contact Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
817-274-7875
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013
