Maintaining a bright and healthy smile is important. When you take care of your teeth, it’s easier to feel good about your smile and your appearance in general. There are many things you can do to make your smile something you feel good about. The following six tips can help.
1. Be Mindful Of Diet
What you eat can impact your oral hygiene and health. Knowing what to eat (and what not to eat!) is important.
- Limit sugar consumption, especially sugary drinks. When faced with a choice, drink water instead of soda. Water is better for your teeth, and even helps to wash away food bacteria and sugars.
- Eat whole grains and healthy, lean meats. Maintaining a healthy diet is good for maintaining strong teeth and also helps prevent tooth decay.
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like celery and apples can help clean your teeth as you chew.
- Avoid chewing on hard or sticky candies. Chewing on hard or sticky candies can damage your teeth and may even lead to a cracked tooth. Avoid these problems by avoiding these types of candies.
2. Limit Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Many alcoholic drinks contain sugars that are bad for your teeth. Tobacco use contributes to dry mouth and gum disease. Tobacco use also slows the healing process and suppresses your immune response in your mouth, which can lead to complications after dental procedures. To take care of your teeth and gums, limit use of alcohol and tobacco.
3. Brush Your Teeth Properly
Always brush your teeth for two minutes at a time, using a toothbrush that is replaced every three months. Brush your teeth twice per day, and if possible, use an electric toothbrush for more effective brushing.
When you visit the dentist, ask your dentist for a refresher on how to brush your teeth. You may have been brushing your teeth your whole life, but you might be making mistakes while brushing and not even know it.
4. Remember to Floss
Floss your teeth once per day using traditional dental floss (not flossing sticks). Flossing once daily helps clean out the food between your teeth. Flossing also stimulates the gums and encourages good gum health.
5. Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash helps reduce the bacteria content in your mouth and makes your breath smell great. Mouthwash also helps clean parts of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Use non-alcoholic mouthwash every night after brushing your teeth.
6. Make Dental Appointments Twice Annually!
Your dentist will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. When you visit the dentist, they’ll remove plaque and tartar to keep your teeth clean. They’ll also identify problems in their early stages, so you can get treatment before issues become serious. See your dentist twice annually to stay on top of your dental health, and to maintain beautiful teeth and gums.
Have you seen the dentist twice this year yet? If not, contact Weninger Dentistry to make your next dental appointment.