In order to achieve and keep a sparkling white smile, you’ll need to treat your teeth to more than just regular brushing—although that’s important, too! Healthy teeth start with healthy habits. Not only will your mouth stay healthier for longer, but your whole body will be healthy.
If you follow these 8 easy tips from your local dentist, you’ll be able to have the healthiest smile of your life!
1. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day.
It’s also important to remove the bacteria and food that has built up around your mouth before you go to bed. This will help to keep leftover food particles and bad dental debris from harboring in your mouth for extended periods of time.
2. Eliminate tobacco use.
Smoking and using any kind of tobacco stains your teeth, but also affects your whole mouth and body. Tobacco can cause gum disease, lead to tooth loss, and even cause you to develop oral cancer. Tobacco can even delay recovery time from oral surgeries.
3. Use the right techniques and tools.
Try an electronic toothbrush that will gently massage your teeth and gums along the gum line for the most effective cleaning. Your dentist recommends using gentle circular motions directed towards the gum line to optimize plaque removal. Be sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes per session.
4. Clean your mouth for at least two minutes a day.
Just because you brush twice a day doesn’t mean that that session removed all the bacteria in your mouth. It should take a full two minutes to clean all the areas of your mouth thoroughly.
Try to reach every area of your mouth—the roof, your tongue, along your gum line, and on the outsides and insides of your teeth. Be sure to even get the hard
5. Don’t “forget” to floss.
By flossing just even once a day before you brush, you’re loosening the dangerous debris, leftover food, and plaque from between your teeth and around your gum line. These harmful materials would otherwise be left in place to harden into tartar and decay your smile.
6. Avoid enamel damage.
The layer of protective enamel on your teeth is the first defense for your smile. This layer helps to protect against cavities and tooth decay, but it can become damaged and leave holes in that layer of protection. Try to stay away from acidic things, tobacco products, and or sugary drinks for long periods of time. Plaque and sugar can produce acids that attack your enamel.
7. Stay hydrated.
Water is healthy, free, and widely available—making it one of the best things for your oral health! Try to carry water with you everywhere and sip throughout the day. Fluoride helps to remove dental bacteria naturally and produces saliva.
8. Eat nutritious foods.
Your teeth need nutrients to stay strong, discolored and cavity for free. If you eat from all the major food groups, your smile will remain strong by receiving all the vitamins and nutrients it needs.
About Our Office
For more than two decades, Dr. Walker has served Salt Lake City families with contemporary, quality dental care that helps patients of all ages reach optimal oral health care. You and your family need a dental practice that can offer great advice and comprehensive services for your smile. Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.