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6 Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy
Many patients assume that their smile is taken care of by going for their regular dental cleanings. However — there’s plenty of work to be done consistently at home to ensure that your teeth remain bright and healthy. Try working the following tips into your family’s at-home routine.
1. Properly Brush Your Teeth
Did you know that how you brush your teeth is just as important as how often you clean them? You should brush your teeth at least 2-3 times a day or after each meal. Additionally, be sure to brush each section of your teeth in small circular motions. This will help to remove the most plaque from your teeth and prevent gingivitis.
2. Remember to Floss
Your dentist doesn’t tell you to do this for their health — they tell you for yours! While flossing your teeth seems like such a small action, most patients do not regularly floss. Flossing at least once daily can help stimulate your gums, fight plaque, and reduce inflammation.
Though flossing may be difficult at first for a patient, it will get easier over time as your gums become less sensitive. If traditional floss isn’t getting the job done for you, consider investing in a WaterPik.
3. Use a Flouride Toothpaste
Most advertisements on television and online market all toothpaste to be beneficial for your oral health — but you should be wary of which products you choose. Be sure to choose a toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride and has the ADA Seal of Approval. These products are proven to support good oral health, and fluoride has been proven to fight against tooth decay.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking enough water is not only good for your overall health but your oral health as well. Drinking water with every meal helps prevent sticky, starchy, and acidic foods from clinging to your mouth. As a rule of thumb, try committing to drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water per day.
5. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
It may be tempting to grab a bag of chips for your afternoon snack, but this won’t prove beneficial for your dental health. Consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits is the best way to ensure that you’re taking in the necessary nutrients and vitamins you need.
Crunchy produce full of fiber and vitamins helps support a healthy smile and can even act as natural floss — so get to munching!
6. Avoid Sugary, Acidic and Dark-Colored Foods
While some foods can benefit our health, others can prove to be damaging. To avoid tooth decay, cavities or staining, try to limit the following foods:
- Candy
- Fruit juices from concentrate
- Dark-colored fruits such as blackberries
- Coffee
- Red wine
7. See Your Dentistry Regularly
As we mentioned before, just seeing your dentist is not enough to keep your smile healthy year-round. Your own daily habits are crucial to the health of your teeth. However, even those who floss regularly require routine checkups and cleanings. As a general rule of thumb, be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year, or more depending on your insurance coverage.
Caring & Experienced Dentists in Shreveport
At Sterling Dental Center, we go beyond patient expectations. From timely, skilled service to our compassionate and empathetic staff, we’re dedicated to what we do and are committed to excellent service. Contact us today to book your next appointment: F:P:Site:Phone}