Taking care of your smile doesn’t only mean you visit the dentist for a preventive cleaning and checkup every six months. While biannual dental visits are crucial to reducing your risk of dental disease and detecting oral health issues, there are many things you should do at home to ensure that your smile stays healthy all year long.
Maintain a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
One of the most important things you can do for your smile is to create and stick to an oral hygiene routine. Gently brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. In addition to daily brushing, floss every day to clean between your teeth and under your gumline. Routine brushing and flossing will prevent the buildup of plaque, a harmful film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
Consume a Balanced Diet
What you eat and drink affects your teeth and gums. While a diet excessively high in carbohydrates and sugar increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium promote healthy teeth and gums. For example, the following foods are great for your oral health:
- Fresh Apples
- Hummus & Crunchy Vegetables
- Leafy Greens
- Almonds
- Sardines
- Low-Sugar Yogurt, Cheese, Milk, or Fortified Dairy-Free Products
Drink Plenty of Water
When you’re dehydrated, your mouth is unable to produce sufficient saliva. Your saliva is critical for fortifying the outer layer of your teeth, called the enamel, with important minerals through a process called remineralization. Saliva and drinking water also help wash away bacteria and food particles that could otherwise increase your risk of decay and gum disease.
Consult with Our Team About Any Issues!
On a regular basis, take note of how your teeth and gums look and feel. If you notice that you have swollen gums, bleeding gums, or sensitive teeth, please contact our team. When issues arise, it’s best if they can be identified and treated as soon as possible. If you leave them alone and don’t address them, they can worsen and cause more serious health concerns.
If you have any additional questions about how to care for your smile between visits to our office, please reach out to South Texas Smiles today!
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