Healthy Practices To Have A Beautiful Smile

Good oral health is an asset not everyone is blessed with. But do you know it is possible to attain good oral health by following a few oral care practices? Here are the most important among them.  

• Brush, Floss, Rinse, Chew

Did you know that brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once a day is part of the recipe for having a beautiful and healthy smile? Good oral hygiene habits are critical for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Many people also make the mistake of thinking that mouthwash is only for people with bad breath, but that’s not true! Mouthwash can help prevent plaque buildup as well as gingivitis and cavities by dissolving food particles that get left behind after brushing and rinsing. And don’t underestimate the importance of chewing sugar-free gum between meals—it can help to remove food debris from your mouth while also stimulating saliva production, which naturally balances the acids in your mouth that cause decay.

• Schedule Regular Checkups

Having a healthy mouth includes having healthy teeth and gums, as well as regularly visiting your dentist for checkups to see if there are any problems or issues that need to be taken care of as soon as possible. Scheduling regular checkups means that you will have good oral health and can avoid serious complications, such as gum disease, tooth loss, and tooth decay. If these problems are caught early on, they can be treated quickly and with minimal pain.

During your checkup, your dentist will give your teeth a professional cleaning and examine your mouth for any issues, such as cavities or signs of gingivitis. If your teeth are very healthy, your dentist may send you home with a clean bill of health to keep up the good work. If you have already been diagnosed with an issue in your mouth, then he will be able to offer you treatment options and help you choose the right treatment plan for you. By scheduling regular checkups, you can avoid more serious issues and save yourself a lot of time, money, and pain unnecessarily.

•  Watch What You Eat

Though brushing and flossing is the best way to fight cavities, your diet can also affect your oral health. Eating sugary snacks and drinks can lead to tooth decay, so it’s important to stay healthy to keep your mouth looking and feeling fresh and clean. Here are some foods you should avoid for good oral health.

• Soda and other sweetened beverages like energy drinks. It’s important to limit your intake of these drinks since they can increase your risk of tooth decay. When consumed in moderation, sodas are okay every once in a while. However, when consumed regularly, they can be detrimental to your oral health. Try diluting the drink with water to reduce the amount of sugar in each glass.
• Sticky foods like raisins or granola bars can get stuck between your teeth and cause plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky substance that can cause tooth decay if not removed properly. Instead of snacking on these types of foods, choose healthier alternatives such as nuts or carrots.
• Coffee and wine contain tannins that stain tooth enamel. You can prevent staining by avoiding both coffee and wine and instead drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps rinse away food particles and prevents stains from forming on the surface of your teeth. If you do consume coffee or wine, try to brush or rinse your mouth afterward to limit the effects of staining.
• Acidic foods can cause erosion of the enamel of your teeth, leaving behind sensitive teeth. Foods high in acid include lemons, tomatoes, pickles, citrus fruits, and carbonated drinks. These acidic foods are best eaten as part of a meal instead of on their own. This will help balance the mouth’s pH level and prevent acid intake.
• Hard candy is often not enjoyed by children and adults alike due to its hard texture. The rough surface of it can cause damage to your teeth and result in tooth breakage.

Got any doubts? Visit Alencar Family Dentistry. We are located at 711 Greenbrier Pkwy Suite 101, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Contact us at (757) 546-0301 or visit our website for more information.