5 Steps to a Healthier Smile
August 6, 2020
A healthy smile is one of your most valuable assets. From the ability to eat comfortably to giving others a good first impression, there are many reasons to create good habits to keep your mouth healthy.
GOOD HYGIENE HABITS
Excellent hygiene is the best place to start. Brushing your teeth at least 2 times per day and flossing will help you have a healthy smile. Consider adding a tongue scraper, and mouthwash to your routine. A tongue scraper helps remove bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Mouthwash helps clean those hard to reach areas, reducing the amount of acid in your mouth. Mouthwash also helps with the re-mineralization of your teeth.
AVOID COFFEE, TEA, AND SODA
Coffee and tea often contain caffeine which can dry out your mouth and they are known to stain your teeth. Soda on the other hand is full of sugar which can erode enamel, the caffeine can dry out your mouth, and it is acidic. If giving up coffee isn’t possible (and let’s be honest, who can really give up coffee?), it helps to enjoy your morning coffee before brushing. If soda is your thing, use a straw so the sugar goes past your teeth.
TAKE CARE OF POTENTIAL ISSUES QUICKLY
Small issues that are ignored can quickly turn into large, painful, and expensive problems. Making an appointment to be seen at the onset of issues can help save money and having to deal with mouth pain or discomfort. A dentist can help you correct any issues before they are made worse.
CLEAN YOUR TEETH AFTER EATING DECAY CAUSING FOODS
An occasional sweet is okay! The most important thing is to make sure that you take care of your teeth after you finish your treat. Contrary to popular belief, you should not brush your teeth immediately after. A lot of sweet or acidic foods weaken the enamel of your teeth. If you immediately brush your teeth you would be worsening the damage. Instead, simply rinse out your mouth with water. Don’t forget to brush before bed to remove anything that might be stuck in your mouth after your enamel is back to its normal state.
DRINK MORE WATER
Drinking water is something that is easy to do! It is also cheap and has health benefits beyond just your smile. Drinking water helps you wash out any leftover food that might be stuck in your mouth, as well as helping you stay hydrated. Staying hydrated will help your saliva production which in turn will help protect your teeth!
If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, look no further! We skillfully and compassionately care for the needs of our dental patients of all ages, including a free teeth whitening program! For more information, give us a call today!
We believe if you care for your smile, it will last a lifetime. And that is truly something to smile about!