Tips to Keep a Great Smile
It is important to keep your mouth, gums, and teeth healthy. The most important thing is to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Ideally you should brush after each meal, but it is not usually convenient. When you floss, you can do so before or after you brush. This will help to remove any pieces of food that could be stuck between your teeth. If you do not floss, the food particles can lead to a cavity. Toothbrushes and mouthwash cannot reach every spot and between your teeth. With proper flossing you can be sure to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup in your mouth. It is also important to come in for regular examinations. Depending on your teeth, you may need to come in either once or twice a year. This way we can examine your teeth and do x-rays to ensure there are no cavities. If you ever notice tooth pain between visits, make sure to schedule an appointment so we can examine your teeth and gums for you.
Since a healthy mouth and white smile are so closely correlated, maintaining strong teeth is another way to keep your smile looking bright. By eating a balanced diet filled with certain teeth-fortifying nutrients will help fend off oral health problems that can detract from a pretty smile, such as tooth decay, erosion, and periodontal disease. Calcium is needed to grow and develop both baby and adult teeth and even strengthens your jawbone. Vitamin C is also another nutrient that helps maintain strong teeth by working as an antioxidant to repair tissue and prevent disease-causing bacteria from penetrating the gums. In addition, any crunchy fruits and veggies, like apples and carrots, are good for your teeth, since chewing them increases levels of saliva, which can help protect the teeth from plaque-causing bacteria by breaking down food caught between teeth. Similarly, drinking plenty of water also helps rid your mouth of such bacteria while also helping to prevent stains and protect your teeth from the harmful effects of acidic foods and beverages. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and candy that is hard or sticky. Acidic foods like citrus can weaken tooth enamel and cause bacteria to thrive. This can ultimately cause tooth decay discoloration that appears as bright white spots on the teeth. Anytime you start to notice an issue with your mouth, make sure to contact us. By catching an issue at the first sign you can help prevent a larger issue from occurring. This can help you to have a happy and healthy mouth.