Looking for simple ways to improve your oral health? Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to keep your smile in tip-top shape, even between your dental appointments. Allred Dental is here to help, offering a few easy-to-follow oral health tips from our expert dental team!
Practice Effective Brushing and Flossing Daily
Our dentist recommends starting with brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using teeth-strengthening fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush your teeth right before going to bed, to help clear the teeth of bacteria that has accumulated throughout the day.
When you brush your teeth, take your time to gently brush the teeth for 2-3 minutes, using a circular motion to carefully remove plaque and reach all surfaces of the teeth.
You should also floss at least once a day to further remove the harder-to-reach plaque and debris that can accumulate in the mouth. Daily flossing is a critical step to removing the food that becomes stuck between the teeth and contributes to the development of cavities!
Eat a Balanced, Nutritious Diet
Foods that are good for your teeth are often excellent for your entire body! Just like the other structures of the body, the structures of the mouth require nutrient-dense foods to stay healthy and strong. Remember to eat a balanced diet and limit the sugary snacks and drinks that can damage your teeth.
When you’re considering foods for enhanced oral health, choose protein-rich foods that are high in calcium like yogurt and leafy greens, as well as high-fiber, vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. Foods that are high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and strawberries, can help neutralize the bacteria that can cause cavities to develop.
Cutting back on dietary sugars and sweet beverages can reduce the potential for cavities, tooth decay, and other oral health concerns in the future.
Quit Smoking
Did you know that in addition to contributing to serious oral health concerns like oral cancer, smoking can also contribute to bad breath and discolored teeth? Smoking increases the chances of having weakened teeth, gum infections, and more, making oral health concerns more likely, and making it more difficult to receive permanent dental implants.
Stay Hydrated
Your daily water intake can not only nourish the entire body, but it can impact the state of your oral health! Drinking water after each meal can help flush acidic foods, sweet beverages and more particles from the teeth, preventing them from contributing to the formation of cavities or plaque!
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, be sure to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and preventive checkups. While your everyday oral hygiene habits are important for maintaining proper oral health, it is recommended to visit your dentist for a preventive checkup and cleaning at least twice a year.
This allows your dentist to look for cavities, gingivitis and other oral health issues that may arrive, and offer advanced treatment solutions. Regularly scheduled preventive care appointments are important for catching oral health concerns early on and keeping your smile healthy well into the future!
Allred Dental Can Help
At Allred Dental, we are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health for life. If you have any questions about your oral health, or if you would like to schedule a dental appointment, please contact us today. Dr. Allred and his team are always happy to help our patients achieve optimum oral health!