It goes without saying that the myriad preventive, corrective, restorative, and cosmetic treatments that comprise dentistry are crucial to restoring and maintaining oral health. However, as important as these treatments and procedures are, they comprise only one part of an effective oral health routine. What we do at home daily to care for our teeth and gums is equally important.
Today, we’re examining a series of straightforward yet vital steps that everyone can take to maintain strong oral health.
Best Practices for Healthy Teeth
Here are a half-dozen simple but highly effective practices to integrate into your dental health routine that can make a world of difference:
- Brush your teeth properly. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using smooth, gentle, circular motions, especially around the gumline. Remember, brushing harder isn’t going to get your teeth any cleaner!
- Floss regularly and properly. Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth, preventing plaque, tartar, cavities, gum disease, infections, and bad breath.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods. Foods and beverages high in sugar contribute to plaque and tartar buildup, while especially acidic foods and drinks are known to erode tooth enamel.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Routine cleans in Dunedin and dental exams allow the dentist to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of teeth and the gumline and to identify and preemptively treat minor issues before they become serious problems.
- Protect your teeth. If you grind your teeth while sleeping or participate in contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from wear and tear and trauma-related injuries.
- Avoid tobacco. Both smoking and smokeless tobacco products not only increase the risk of gum disease but also make it more challenging to treat.
The Role of Diet in Your Oral Health
A healthy, balanced diet is critical to your overall wellness and dental health. Of course, reducing or eliminating sugary and acidic foods and drinks is best, but there is more to consider. What about a tooth-healthy diet?
Calcium, vitamin D, omega-3, and phosphorus are good for teeth and bones. Consider:
- Cheese
- Low-fat milk
- Fatty fish
- Nuts and seeds
- Strawberries
A dental team member can help you choose even more foods for your tooth-healthy diet.
Aside from diet, remember to stay hydrated! Water is best.
Lifestyle Habits and Your Oral Health
Lifestyle habits, such as overindulging in acidic or sugary foods and drinks, smoking, neglecting your teeth and gums, and chewing on objects, can impact your dental health, which in turn can influence your overall wellness.
Additionally, certain medications can influence saliva production and tooth health. Always share current medications with your dentist!
We're Committed to Healthy Gums and Strong Oral Health in Dunedin
Regular dental care enables us to diagnose and treat oral health conditions early, preventing them from costing you time and money in the dental chair. Early detection also helps keep your smile healthy for life. If you’re in Dunedin and looking for a dentist who can help you and your loved ones develop and maintain a routine to ensure healthy gums and strong overall oral health, contact dentist Dr Elaine Neill and the team at Bell Hill Dental to arrange a consultation.
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