Healthy teeth and gums and beautiful smiles go hand-in-hand. By following a few good oral care habits, you can maintain good oral health. Here are a few practices that help maintain healthy teeth and smile.
Proper brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining a beautiful smile. While brushing removes plaque from the surface of teeth, it can only reach the surfaces that are visible to you in the mirror. This means that your toothbrush cannot reach into those parts of your mouth that are hidden by the lips or cheeks. Flossing can remove the plaque in these difficult-to-reach places between teeth and along the gum line. It is best to brush at least twice and floss at least once a day to prevent cavities and gum disease.
While the occasional treat won’t damage your teeth, do you really want to take the risk? Sugary foods and beverages can stick to your teeth and cause plaque and bacteria buildup. The more often you eat or drink these foods, the more likely you are to experience tooth decay and gum disease. Try to avoid them as often as possible by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
Visiting your dentist regularly is the best way to maintain good oral health. Your dentist will clean your teeth, examine your gums and teeth for signs of decay or damage, and provide X-rays when necessary. He or she will also talk with you about the best at-home care routine and answer any questions you have about your dental health. For patients who need extra help taking care of their teeth, a dentist may also provide a sealant or fluoride treatment.
This tip may sound obvious, but it’s important to eat a healthy diet in order to maintain good oral health. The foods you eat play an important role in your oral health because they directly affect your body’s ability to fight infection. Poor nutrition can increase your risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
Smoking is one of the worst habits for your oral health. Not only does it cause bad breath, discolored teeth, and gum disease, it also significantly increases your risk of oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, “The risk of developing oral cancer increases over 50% if you smoke or chew tobacco.” Regular screenings can increase your chances of catching cancer early when it’s more treatable, so visiting your dentist every six months is strongly recommended.
To find out more about the dental services we offer at DTLA Smile, Los Angeles, CA, call (213) 688-2828 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist Los Angeles, CA at 104 West 7th St, #2 Los Angeles, CA, 90014.
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