Can You Do More to Care for Your Smile? Part Two

Tips for Preventive DentistryWas one of your New Year’s resolutions to take better care of your smile? If so, you may have already begun a diligent daily dental hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing. But if you wonder what more you could do to take great care of your teeth and gums, there are some tips from your preventive dentist that can certainly help. Many simple habits can actually help prevent cavities and other dental issues, so you can continue to smile confidently. It just takes a little knowledge and developing good habits, for which your smile will thank you!

What Ways Can I Care for My Smile?

  • Another quick tip for preventive care, is to drink water after each meal. This can help to loosen and remove some of the bacteria from your mouth between brushings, which can in turn help prevent the acidity that develops when it remains for too long.
  • You should also be careful how much sugar you consume on a regular basis. Since plaque bacteria feed on sugar, it is best to limit your intake. Many healthy foods like fruit and dairy products have naturally occurring sugars, but try to avoid processed foods with added sugar, which lacks the nutritional value of whole foods.
  • Of course, regular dental checkups are crucial to maintaining great oral health. That is because only a dentist can remove calcified tartar once it has developed. The longer you go between visits, the more likely tartar buildup is to lead to cavities and even gum disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss throughout the world.
  • Once your teeth and gums are in great health, you can help your smile look its utter best through cosmetic dental treatments like professional whitening. One of the benefits of getting professional whitening, as opposed to using an over-the-counter product, is that the products are designed to provide dramatic results, quickly, without damaging your teeth’s enamel.