3 Tips To Maintain A Healthy Smile

As we all know, good oral care is the foundation of good oral health. One can't achieve healthy teeth just overnight. Instead, it involves a few practices that should be followed daily. Here are the three major oral care practices to be followed to achieve optimal oral health. 

• At-home oral hygiene

You should brush your teeth twice each day, once in the morning and again at night before bed. You should also floss at least once per day. This will help remove food particles and buildup from between the teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that build up around the gum line. This buildup is plaque that ultimately causes inflammation in the gums. Gums will then begin to recede away from the teeth, exposing the roots of the teeth and leading to tooth decay and eventual tooth loss.

It is important to replace your toothbrush every three months or once the bristles start to fray. You will also want to rinse your toothbrush with mouthwash before brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste or debris. Rinsing your brush first will help prevent the spread of illness to others when you share your toothbrush.

• Regular dental checkups

Regular dental checkups are recommended every six months to make sure a patient's smile is healthy and to detect issues as soon as possible. Some patients may schedule more frequent visits if their teeth or gums are sensitive or if they have a history of dental health problems. During a routine checkup, your dentist will assess a patient's mouth to look for signs of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other concerns. She will also perform an oral cancer screening to check for abnormal sores or growths. X-rays may also be taken to reveal underlying conditions that cannot be identified with the naked eye alone. If any issues are detected, your dentist will work together with the patient to create an individualized treatment plan to restore their smile's health as well as make them more comfortable and confident in the way it looks. At-home care tips will also be provided to help them keep their teeth and gums clean in between checkups. These may include using fluoride toothpaste for stronger teeth, flossing regularly to remove plaque and debris between teeth and along the gum line, and eating a healthy diet.

• Eat a healthy diet

Sugary foods are bad for your teeth for a number of reasons. Not only do they increase your risk of cavities, but eating too many acidic or sugary foods can solidify tooth enamel by reacting with the calcium in your saliva. This makes it harder for plaque and bacteria to be removed from your teeth. Instead, stick to eating more fibrous fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water to rinse away food debris.

If you want to learn more tips to maintain good oral health,  schedule a consultation at Dental SPA by calling (407) 330-3601. You can also visit our dental office located at 205 Towne Center Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771, for all your dental concerns.