As dental professionals, we love the opportunity to help people enjoy healthy and beautiful smiles. However, we can feel frustrated seeing people come in for root canals and other restorative procedures knowing that simply preventive steps could have helped them avoid these problems. Today, we would like to highlight five simple steps you can take to improve oral health and hopefully avoid serious oral health concerns.
Steps for Keeping Your Smile Healthy
- Always Brush Your Teeth: No matter how old or young you are, you need to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each session. We also recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles (brushing too hard with medium or hard bristles can potentially damage enamel). When you brush, you help remove food particles and reduce the severity of plaque buildup.
- Floss Daily: Since a toothbrush’s bristles can’t reach between the teeth, you need to floss every day before going to bed. Flossing can help decrease the chances of developing gingivitis and gum disease.
- Drink Water: Soda, sweet tea, and energy drinks all contain a high amount of sugar, which can promote tooth decay. Sports drinks and some fruit juices can contain highly acidic contents, which also weakens tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. But water contains no sugars, no acids, and can help you stay healthy and hydrated.
- Eat Healthier Foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables are not only healthy, but some varieties (such as apples, carrots, or broccoli) can help remove plaque buildup from the surface of the teeth as you eat them. Healthier foods are food for your waistline, provide key nutrients, and don’t pose the same risks for your smile as foods high in sugar and starch.
- See Your Dentist: You should make an appointment to see your dentist every six months. These preventive visits allow your dentist to examine your teeth and identify problems in the early stages. We can also perform a cleaning to help protect your smile from periodontal problems.
To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.