(305) 857-3731Many people know the importance of having a healthy smile, but what should you do to actually get your mouth healthier and keep it that way? Here are some of Dr. Ramon Bana‘s top tips for a healthy smile.
Don’t Wait to Have Problems Addressed
Whether you are nervous about going to the dentist or concerned about the associated costs, one of the worst things that you can do when maintaining your smile is delay appointments when you are in pain or experiencing discomfort. Waiting to have your problems addressed can lead to serious and permanent oral health consequences, including tooth loss, infections, and more. Always speak with your dentist to make an appointment and explore financing options instead of delaying your needs.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits
While professional cleanings at the dentist’s office are one way to maintain a healthy smile, what you do at home daily is critical. A visit from the dentist every six months is not enough to undo poor daily oral hygiene habits, which is why doing your best at home every day is so important.
You should brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush. The action of brushing gets rid of any leftover pieces of food that will react with your saliva and bacteria to eventually become plaque. This plaque leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, many people brush twice a day but skip flossing. This is a big mistake, as there is no other effective way to remove debris from between your teeth. Flossing gets rid of debris and plaque stuck in hard-to-reach places in the mouth, and you should do it once a day.
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
A healthy diet will keep your body healthy, but many people don’t also think about their oral health when considering their physical health. Eating a diet that is filled with acidic foods, sugary foods, or sticky foods is a surefire way to experience an accelerated risk of tooth decay. It is best for your body and your teeth to limit your intake of processed and unhealthy foods and swap them out for natural alternatives, like fruits and vegetables.
If one of your top concerns for your smile is also the look of your teeth, it’s a good idea to avoid dark teas and coffee. These are very staining, and you might require professional teeth whitening to remove severe discoloration on your teeth from black tea and black coffee. Your dentist can evaluate your mouth and give you advice on the best way to reverse the damage of staining.
Visit the Dentist on a Regular Basis
Just like there is no substitute for brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis, there is also no replacement for professional cleaning from a dental hygienist. A skilled dental hygienist will use special tools and techniques to thoroughly remove any plaque or tartar from your teeth, examine the rest of your mouth, and determine whether or not you need any additional services like fillings performed.
How often should you be visiting the dentist? It is generally good to visit for a professional cleaning two times a year. In some cases and with specific oral conditions, you may need to visit more often. Your dentist will inform you how often you should be coming in for cleanings and other treatments to make sure that you stay in the best health possible.