An appealing smile is accessible to everyone if they maintain healthy habits. Attractive smiles build self-confidence, and they are contagious; they give others a reason to smile too. Another important aspect of good dental hygiene is maintaining healthy function in your smile.
How you treat your teeth today will impact the health of their future. It is more beneficial to take a proactive approach to your oral health now rather than deal with tooth loss later. Contact our dedicated team at Narberth Dental Group for more information.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Healthy teeth require at least two brushings a day. The soft bristles of a toothbrush recommended by the American Dental Association are best for reaching between teeth. Take a couple of minutes to brush, and then always follow up with dental floss.
Flossing is vitally important to dental health. Dental floss reaches below the gum line and removes the bacteria a toothbrush cannot. Healthy gums are crucial for the long-term welfare of your teeth. It is also advisable to use an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing and flossing to sanitize the mouth of germs. A tongue scraper will further rid the mouth of germs and help eliminate bad breath.
Routine visits to a dentist will detect the areas in your smile that your regiment at home may not be reaching properly. Despite patients’ best efforts, decay can still persist. Consistent professional cleanings and exams can help prevent most tooth decay and gum disease before serious issues result.
Lifestyle Matters
Diet is always a factor in oral health. Foods high in fiber not only help with the waistline, but they help with our teeth. Crunchy foods like celery and apples can scrape bacteria off teeth. Yogurt, milk, and cheese also have anti-bacterial properties, so include them as part of a healthy diet.
Sugar is the culprit that contributes to tooth decay, so it is best to avoid sugary foods. After feasting on sugar, bacteria produce an acid that corrodes teeth. If unable to brush, a simple rinse with water after consuming sugar can help prevent tooth decay.
Tobacco is also damaging to oral health and should be avoided. Tobacco stains the enamel of teeth, and it also harms the gums. Tobacco restricts the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, and this can lead to gray colored gums that are defenseless to bacteria. There is a high correlation between tooth loss and the use of tobacco.
Call Dr. Katherine Miller for a Smile Worth Remembering
Dr. Katherine Miller and our dedicated team at Narberth Dental Group are here to educate and to care for the smiles of your entire family. Contact us today so we can keep you smiling brightly for many years to come.