There are many things that you can do to take care of your smile and keep it healthy. Today we want to share five tips on specific things you can do to improve your oral health and keep that smile sparkling.
Eating tooth-healthy foods means veering away from foods that cause plaque build-up, such as candy, and instead, eating snacks such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and sugar-free gum. Drinking water instead of sugary drinks will also boost your smile. Not only will replacing sugary beverages with water make your teeth say “thank you,” but it will benefit your overall health.
Creating a dental health routine will significantly contribute to the health of your smile. We recommend incorporating two specific things to your daily dental health routine: brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing them once a day. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily will help keep away cavities, and reduce plaque and tartar in your mouth. The longer plaque sits on your teeth without being removed by brushing, flossing, or by a professional dental cleaning, the weaker your teeth will become, and the more likely you are to get cavities. Brushing is not only great for strengthening your teeth, but also keeps your gums healthy and helps to prevent gum disease.
In addition to the things you add to your daily routine, you should also make routine dental visits twice a year. At your regular dental visits, we will check for cavities, clean plaque and tartar off your teeth, do an x-ray exam, and check for any potential oral issues such as cancer. At your dental check-up, we will be able to help give you suggestions on what you can improve on with your daily care and recommend any dental procedures that may be needed in the future to make sure that your oral health is in tip-top shape.
Similar to the tip above, it is vital to come into the dentist for regular appointments before you are in pain. There is so much preventative care that we as dentists can offer, yet is frequently not used due to people avoiding the dentist. Think of it this way; your trips to the dentist will likely be much more enjoyable if you go before there is a problem. The more advanced an oral health issue gets before being treated, the more costly (in time and money) it tends to be to resolve.
Using mouthwash is helpful for your smile: teeth, gums, and all! Using mouthwash is a great way to eliminate bacteria, strengthen enamel, prevent tooth decay, and prevent gum disease. Plus, mouthwash helps get rid of bad breath, helping you feel fresh.
Sealants are an excellent preventative dental service available to protect your teeth and keep your smile healthy. Sealants are a barrier placed on your molars that block food, sugar, and bacteria from creating cavities. Though sealants are popularly used on children, they can be beneficial for adults as well. Taking the preventative step of applying sealants to your teeth could save you lots of time and money in the long run.
