Taking care of your teeth on a daily basis will go a long way in ensuring they stay healthy and strong for years to come. When you put in the time each day to do a little extra for the health of your mouth, you will help protect your teeth, gums, and bones. This will help prevent decay and painful issues as you age.
As a local dentist in Frederick, we are passionate about preventative care for your teeth as we want to see you avoid as many dental procedures as possible. Start following these tips daily for a healthier smile.
#1: The Basics: Brushing And Flossing
You undoubtedly know that brushing and flossing are an important part of your dental health. Neglecting these two basics can lead to a variety of issues including cavities and gum disease.
Perhaps you are dedicated to brushing at least twice a day but you skip flossing. Unfortunately, brushing alone is not enough. Flossing helps ensure you remove hard to reach plaque and tartar, particularly along your gums. When you don’t remove this build up, it can lead to long-term damage, including gum disease.
#2: Eating Right: Choose Tooth-Healthy Foods
Did you know? What you eat will play a huge role in the health of your teeth. Just as is true with any part of your body, the better nutrients you put in, the better your body will feel. Foods high in calcium will help promote strong teeth. Leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, will provide calcium as well as keep your teeth clean.
Other foods, such as carrots and apples, help stimulate saliva in your mouth which in turn cleanses your teeth. Celery is another excellent natural choice for keeping your pearly whites clean between brushing.
#3: The Extras: Kicking Bad Habits
Another way you can improve your teeth’s health is by kicking bad habits that harm your teeth. For example, smoking cigarettes is not only harmful to your lungs, it is also detrimental to the health of your teeth. Ongoing smoking can lead to gum disease, which will cause severe damage to your teeth and the bones supporting your teeth. Smoking will also stain your teeth, leading to a less sparkly smile. The best way to prevent damage to your teeth from smoking is to quit entirely.
Another habit that can stain your teeth is drinking coffees, teas, dark sodas, and red wine. Make sure that if do drink these beverages, you brush your teeth afterward. If you can cut down on the frequency of drinking these liquids, it will go a long way in keeping your teeth sparkly white.
Bonus Tip: Schedule A Professional Cleaning
All of these daily tips can help to ensure your teeth remain strong and healthy. However, a dentist will be able to take your health the extra mile. Schedule a professional cleaning to ensure that hard to reach plaque and tartar is removed and to catch any issues early on. As a dentist in Frederick, we are passionate about helping our patients achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Talk to us today about how we can help you keep your smile strong.