Wondering how to get healthier teeth? Good. Your oral health is immensely important.
It is up to you to make a continuous effort to help make your smile last a lifetime. Choosing to make good oral care a habit can mean wonders in the long run. By following the basic rules of brushing your teeth two to three times a day as well as flossing at least once a day, you would already be making a tremendous difference.
But oral health isn’t just about your daily oral hygiene routine. You should also try and avoid food or snacks high in sugar and make sure to visit your Highland Village dentist every few months for a cleaning and checkup. If you are a parent, it’s essential to encourage your children to practice good health from an early age so they too can have a healthy adult smile.
Here at Highland Village Smile Studio, Dr. Richardson’s passion is the health of her patients; and did you know that your oral health is linked to your overall health? Another reason why you should take it seriously. Luckily, we are here to give you some tips on how you can maintain good oral health:
- The first steps to practicing good oral care
When your Highland Village dentist explains the importance of practicing good oral health it’s because they care. Here at Highland Village Smile Studio, we aren’t just passionate about oral health, we are passionate about you, our patients.
The first step to a healthier mouth is that of following the basic rules of brushing and flossing regularly. To keep your smile at its best, you should be brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times a day. Keep in mind, it’s not just about getting the job done, but getting the job done right. When you brush, make sure you use enough toothpaste (with fluoride) and that you are brushing for 2 minutes.
Make sure you reach the back corners of your teeth where bacteria are known to gather. You should also remember to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 90 days. If your toothbrush is worn it will not clean as intended which could over time lead to tooth decay and gum deterioration
You should also be flossing at least once a day or after having a meal that sticks between your teeth. Don’t skip this step, flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing helps to keep your gums healthy, which are the home in which your teeth reside.
- LESS sugar and LESS acid
Two of your teeth’s worst enemies are sugar and acid. Your mouth is a constant battleground of demineralization and remineralization. Nonetheless, cavities occur when bacteria in your mouth digest sugar and produce acid, which weakens tooth enamel. If you regularly consume foods and fizzy drinks that are highly acidic or sugary it will slowly but surely break down your teeth’s natural enamel.
Remember to also keep an eye out for food and drinks with hidden sugar. Although some companies use marketing tricks to make you believe a product is “healthy” or has “less sugar”, these products can still have relatively high levels of sugar which damages your teeth. In addition to sugar, you should also lower your acid intake by consuming less coffee, alcohol, as well as concentrated lemon, lime, and other acidic liquids and fruits. - A dentist they say, keeps the cavities away!
Making regular visits to your Highland Village dentist for cleanings and checkups is very important.
It is recommended you visit your family dentist every 4 to 6 months, depending on your unique dental situation. Dr. Richardson recommends regular visits in order to practice prevention dentistry. These regular cleanings to help ensure a lower plaque buildup and a lower risk for tooth decay. Regular visits also allow your Highland Village dentist to catch any oral health issues early on before they can progress and cause permanent damage. - HEY YOU! Put out that cigarette and quit smoking
It is well recorded how bad smoking is for your general health, in fact, Smoking causes damage to nearly every organ in the body and is directly responsible for a number of diseases. You should also understand that smoking is extremely damaging to your oral health.
Smoking cigarettes is the number one cause of mouth, tongue, and throat cancer. Smoking cigarettes also leads to plaque buildup, bad breath, gum disease, and yellowing/staining of the teeth. You could really boost your oral health and your overall health, by making the decision to quit smoking. - Drink water, Regularly.
Water is the fuel for our bodies. In fact, your body is about 60% water, so it’s important to always stay hydrated. Drinking enough water not only aids your oral health but also, your overall health. If you drink more water, you will likely see better functioning of your digestive system as well as healthier skin.
Drinking water after a meal is great for helping to remove stuck food particles in between your teeth. With dehydration, our brains can even confuse thirst for hunger, which can result in a ‘sugar craving’. The next time you feel the need for something sweet, try drinking a glass of water first.
Follow these tips to help maintain a healthier smile as well as a healthier you. We know when you are choosing a Highland Village dentist, you want someone you can trust, someone who you know has your best interest at heart.Here at Highland Village Smile Studio, that is exactly what we have to offer. Dr. Richardson and the team are looking forward to meeting you and starting on the journey to a healthier mouth together. Schedule an appointment by contacting us today.