A beautiful smile provides self-confidence and a professional appearance. To achieve a beautiful smile, individuals must be committed to their routine care, as this can greatly affect its resistance to issues like decay, gingivitis, and missing teeth. Here are must-know tips that will help you keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape!
Brush and floss regularly. A beautiful smile starts with an individual’s daily regimen. Brushing and flossing are at the foundation of optimal health care, removing harmful plaque and bacteria from the surface of teeth and gums. Most dentists agree that everyone should brush twice and floss once each day to greatly improve dental hygiene.
Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash. While brushing and flossing remove the daily buildup of food particles and bacterial residue that lead to staining and tartar build-up, remaining microscopic bacteria still threaten gingival health. Washing away those harmful bacteria with non-alcoholic antiseptic mouthwash helps to wash away any leftover debris and eliminate pathogens.
Avoid excessive sugar consumption. If increasing your waistline wasn’t enough, you could chalk up “harmful to teeth” as another reason to avoid processed sugars. While it doesn’t directly cause cavities, it’s a major component used by bacteria to develop the acids that lead to decay. Bacteria feed on sugars and release an acidic film that eats away at enamel and destroys the structure of a tooth.
Eat fibrous foods. On the other hand, eating foods with solid fibers helps to gently remove plaque from the surface of teeth as an individual eats. This helps to prevent issues like decay and halitosis (bad breath). Fruits, vegetables, and many grains have fibers that benefit oral health.
Minimize bad habits. Activities like chewing on ice, using teeth as tools, or smoking can greatly increase the risk for chips, cracks, gingivitis, and decay. When you avoid these habits, you put your dental health in an optimal position to last a lifetime.
Visit your dentist at least every six months. While some may believe visiting the dentist is unnecessary unless you are experiencing an emergency, routine appointments allow your dentist to monitor teeth development and ensure they are free from harm. Routine cleanings and examinations eliminate tartar buildup from below the gum line and help to maintain optimal oral health
Discover a Better Smile with Experienced Care
We’re your partner in the defense against dental issues. Call our dental practice in Fort Wayne and schedule an appointment with Dr. Timothy S. Berger to find out more ways to improve your dental health and bring out your smile’s natural beauty.