Taking care of your smile is essential to the wellbeing of your entire body. It is important to understand that your optimal oral health will positively impact the health of the entire body. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy and bright smile.
Maintain Daily Oral Care
The ADA recommends choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect enamel. Enamel is the layer that protects the teeth and is essential to preserve. When enamel weakens, the teeth are sensitive to temperature and become fragile. Enamel is made of minerals and is the hardest substance produced by the body. You can build up the enamel by using a good fluoride-enhanced toothpaste or rinse.
Flossing at least once a day is essential. Food particles build up between the teeth and can’t be reached with brushing alone. Flossing prevents tooth decay and bad breath. Swishing with water after eating can prevent plaque from developing, especially after eating acidic or sweet foods. Acid breaks down enamel, and sugar feeds bacteria that produce acid.
Mouthwash is a great addition to any routine cleaning and includes nutrients such as fluoride to promote enamel strength and further protect teeth from decay. Some mouthwashes may be medicated and include gum disease protectants to assist in keeping gums healthy.
Prioritize Regular Dental Visits
Only a trained dental professional can recognize the early signs of cavities and periodontal disease. Schedule regular appointments with your dentist for check-ups. During these visits, your dentist can apply fortifying treatments such as fluoride. Your dentist can treat problems early on and prevent them from progressing.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A diet rich in essential nutrients ensures the teeth and gums are healthy. Calcium-rich foods aid in healthy bone development. There are also foods that can help the teeth remain clean. Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, smooth away bacterial buildup along the surface of the teeth. Their fibrous quality helps stimulate the gums. Cheese and milk products contain protein and calcium, two essential components of healthy enamel.
Avoid Unhealthy Habits
Just as there are habits that support oral health, there are habits that do not. Sugar is bad for teeth because it promotes the rapid growth of oral bacteria which form plaque and increases your risk of tooth decay and cavities. Tobacco use—especially smoking and chewing tobacco—increases the risk of gum disease because nicotine and other substances in tobacco reduce the ability of the gums to heal from bacterial infection.
It’s also important to avoid chewing on things that aren’t food. For instance, chewing pens, ice and other hard items, or using teeth as tools for tearing or ripping something open, can risk fracturing your teeth.
Give your family the best possible start for healthy smiles now and in the future. Dr. Sandoval and his team are committed to helping you create and maintain proper dental health from childhood into adulthood and offer supportive care and positive experiences for our patients. Call or visit today to learn more about what we can do for you.