Best Practices For A Healthy Smile

Good oral hygiene habits are important for everyone, but people often overlook these habits when they get older. However, it is never too late to brush your teeth regularly and take good care of your teeth and gums. Here are some best practices that can help you maintain your oral health.

• Practice good oral hygiene

When you brush your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to help remove plaque and food particles from your smile. Brush for at least two minutes at a time, and be sure to brush along the gum line and on your tongue to remove any bacteria that may be hiding there. Don’t forget to floss between each tooth with an ADA-approved flossing tool to clean between your teeth! Use an antibacterial mouthwash to remove any leftover debris and help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Bacteria and plaque grow on, between, and around teeth throughout the day. While brushing helps remove some of this buildup, flossing is the only way to remove bacteria and plaque from between teeth and under the gum line. If you don’t floss regularly, you significantly increase your risk of gingivitis (gum disease), cavities, and other oral infections.

The ADA recommends flossing once a day to make sure you’re removing as much bacteria as possible. If it’s hard to maneuver floss around your back molars, consider using a water flosser or an interdental cleaner instead. These devices shoot a thin stream of water in between teeth to break up sticky plaque deposits that regular floss can’t reach. They also work better than string floss for people who have braces or other orthodontic appliances in place.

• Regular dental cleanings

Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning? This is an ideal frequency, as your doctor can monitor your teeth’s health and catch any issues early on before they turn into a bigger problem. Un-diagnosed oral health issues can be the cause of many health issues, including heart conditions and diabetes. A regular cleaning appointment is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy and keeping all dental diseases at bay. This can also help stave off the need for fillings, crowns, and other advanced dental treatments. During professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will remove all traces of plaque from your mouth to prevent tooth decay. They may also suggest other treatments, like fluoride or dental sealants, to further protect the teeth from damage. These extra measures will ensure you can maintain a healthy smile for years to come!

• Eat a well-balanced diet

The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to eat a well-balanced diet of whole foods. This includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Avoid sugary drinks and foods, like candy, soda, cookies, and other snack foods that stick to teeth and promote tooth decay. Also, try to avoid snacking throughout the day since each time you take a bite of food, it exposes your teeth to cavity-causing bacteria. Instead, try to limit your snacks to one a day, preferably one that’s low in sugar and starch.

Please visit our dental practice at 551 E. Plaza Circle STE. C, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, to schedule a consultation with our dentists. You can also call us at (623) 935-1155 or book your appointment online.