Health advice is readily available, thanks to the internet—and some of it is confusing, to say the least. It can be hard to tell which steps will improve oral health and which will have no effect. Here, we’ll cut through the confusion by offering 10 easy tips for a healthier, better-looking smile.
Schedule Check-Ups Twice a Year
Routine dental check-ups are the best way for patients to preserve oral health. When you make an appointment with a dentist, they’ll detect and treat problems before they become unmanageable. If you need a local dentist, we’re ready to serve you. Call, click, or email us for an appointment.
Brush Your Teeth Daily
You’ve heard it since childhood, from your parents and the dentist: brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing removes stubborn food particles, which combine with saliva to form sticky plaque, a substance that harbors bacteria. When left untreated, plaque causes cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay—but regular brushing eliminates it.
Don’t Forget to Floss
While most people claim they floss regularly, they’re not fooling their dentists and hygienists. Flossing is crucial because it removes plaque from the tough-to-reach spaces between teeth, preventing gum disease and reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Regular flossing will improve your oral and overall health.
Use a High-Quality Toothpaste
Dentists recommend that patients use toothpaste with fluoride. Using a quality toothpaste containing fluoride reverses the earliest signs of decay, such as exposed roots and thinning enamel.
Reduce Dietary Sugar Intake
Sugar is a primary factor in tooth decay because it’s a food source for bacteria in the mouth. These harmful germs feed on leftover particles, multiplying faster when those particles are full of sugar. Reducing your sugar intake will help keep plaque and bacteria in check.
Eat Healthy Foods
A sensible diet improves overall health, and it boosts oral health in unexpected ways. Along with the good nutrition they provide, healthy foods like fruits and vegetables promote saliva production that cleanses the teeth and eliminates bacteria naturally.
Drink Plenty of Water Every Day
Staying adequately hydrated stimulates saliva production, which helps keep teeth clean by removing stuck-on food particles and harmful bacteria. By drinking at least eight glasses of water per day, you’ll improve oral and overall health.
Scrape Your Tongue When Brushing
When brushing their teeth, many people forget about their tongues, leaving a yellowish or whitish film and ending up with bad breath. As you brush, scrape your tongue to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Don’t Chew the Hard Stuff
While it may seem like basic advice, it’s ignored surprisingly often. Don’t chew or bite on hard candy and non-food items, including fingernails. These items aren’t meant for chewing and may damage teeth.
Care for Your Toothbrush
Although toothbrushes don’t require special cleansers, they should be rinsed and dried with each use. Store your toothbrush upright and replace it every three months, or more often if your dentist recommends it.
Enjoy a Healthier and More Radiant Smile With Regular Dental Care
Do you want to have a healthy, radiant, and great-looking smile? We can help! Our hygienists and dentists are here to help patients protect their oral health. Call or go online to schedule a checkup and let us help save your smile.
