20 Feb How to Maintain Your Healthy Smile
The Dentists at Medical Arts Dental are no different. Here are some simple ways that you can keep your teeth as white and healthy as possible:
Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. You hear this one over and over again, but they’re the simplest ways to keep your teeth healthy. Dental decay is the easiest preventable disease there is, but having proper oral care at home will save you a lot of trouble down the road. Be sure to change your toothbrushes at least four times a year. Using an old toothbrush can lead to a bacteria build-up on the brush, which is never good for your oral health.
Rinse or chew gum after eating. Rinsing your mouth out with an antibacterial rinse like Listerine after a meal can prevent decay and gum problems. Chewing a sugar-free gum increases your saliva, which helps wash away any bacteria that is left over from your meal. It also neutralizes any acid that is in your mouth.
Block blows to your mouth. If you’re active in sports and other recreational activities, wearing a mouthguard can prevent serious injury if you receive a blow to your face. Even skateboarding or rollerblading can pose a threat to your teeth. Your dentist can make a custom-fitted mouth guard if you think you need one. You can always buy a mouth guard at a sporting goods store and form-fit it to your mouth yourself. Just boil it in hot water and bite down on it after a few minutes.
Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Nothing stains teeth worse than smoking or chewing tobacco. It also increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you smoke or chew, stop now. It will be the best thing you’ve ever done for your overall health.
Eat healthy. A well-balanced diet of whole foods (grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and dairy) will help promote healthy teeth. There is research out there that says omega-3 fats – like the kind found in fish – may help reduce inflammation of your gums. Therefore, make some room for fish in your diet!
So, there you have the five simplest ways to promote a healthy, white smile. To learn more about how Medical Arts Dental can help you achieve the perfect smile, call us at 320-310-0599.