The teeth, gums, and tongue are all important parts of the body and keeping them healthy is important. Visiting your OKC dentist for preventive care is essential, as is exercising easy daily practices such as brushing and flossing. Combined with basic oral care, Dr. Sorgen also recommends following these tips to help achieve a healthy, bright smile:
Attend Regular Dental Appointments
Maintaining good oral health involves being proactive. Dental issues are easier to treat when caught early. Oral problems such as bad breath, dry mouth, canker or cold sores, and tooth decay are all treatable with proper diagnosis and care from a dental professional.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking weakens the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off a gum infection. Once there is gum damage, smoking also makes it harder for gums to heal and can lead to gum disease. Smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or using smokeless tobacco products also increases the risk of oral cancer, bad breath, tooth discoloration, and other oral health problems.
Eat the Right Foods
Some foods are better for teeth than others. Citrus foods are high in acid and can harm enamel, which makes teeth more prone to decay as they age. Sticky foods – even dried fruit or other healthy snacks – remain on the teeth longer and can promote decay. Aim for a diet that includes calcium, phosphorus, and other vitamins. This means lots of fruits and vegetables, which are good for the whole body. Nuts are a great source of necessary minerals and the chewing process helps stimulate saliva production to clear away acid-producing bacteria.
Drink the Right Drinks
Coffee and tea can lead to stains, especially if there isn’t enough water consumed. One of the worst liquid offenders for teeth health is soda, due to its high sugar content. Plaque bacteria harness that sugar to produce acids that attack tooth enamel, which leads to decay. When consuming sugary or acidic drinks, make sure to also drink lots of water.
Drink More Water
Drinking enough water is important for overall health, including teeth. According to the American Dental Association, tap water containing fluoride has been proven to help strengthen teeth. It helps wash away leftover food particles and residue and dilutes the acid in the mouth. Saliva is a natural bacteria fighter and water helps the body produce more saliva. Avoiding dry mouth is important to this process and drinking more water can help.
Don’t Chew Ice
A refreshing ice cube is great in a glass of water on a hot day, but chewing that ice can lead to irreparable damage to the enamel or even a dental emergency. Though it can be tempting to chew, letting ice remain in the glass and enjoying it in its liquid form is best for teeth health.
Replace Toothbrushes Regularly
Twice-daily brushing is integral to a healthy mouth and replacing the toothbrush at least every few months helps ensure it can do its very important job. Older toothbrushes are less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums.
Contact Your OKC Dentist
Many of these tips can help not only improve oral health but also can improve overall health. For preventive and cosmetic dentistry services in the Oklahoma City area, contact Dr. Sorgen and our team today. We look forward to bringing out the best in your smile!