Maintain your oral health with proper oral hygiene and good lifestyle choices.
We all want a healthy, beautiful smile — fortunately, with the right oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices, it is possible to achieve and maintain strong and beautiful teeth. Read on for our top tips on keeping your smile in tip-top shape…
Don’t forget to floss
It’s essential that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and it’s equally important that you floss daily as well. Flossing is one of the best ways to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line — your toothbrush simply can’t reach these areas of your mouth. Try to make flossing a habit as it can help reduce your risk of developing issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
See your dentist regularly
Routine check-ups are a great way to maintain your oral health. Your dentist will be able to identify any issues at an early stage and provide treatment as soon as possible. Professional cleans also help prevent issues like gum disease, as plaque and tartar are thoroughly removed during the cleaning procedure.
Seeing your dentist regularly can also help you keep track of your overall health. There is a strong connection between oral and physical health, and it is possible for your dentist to pick up on potential underlying health concerns based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums.
Quit smoking
Smoking can cause some serious damage to your general health, as well as your oral health. The habit can cause oral health issues such as receding gums and the development of large pockets around the teeth. This can lead to cosmetic concerns, such as elongated teeth and dark spaces between the teeth. Smoking can also cause stains and discolouration of the teeth over time.
Make good food choices
Certain foods and drinks can cause stains to develop on the surface of the teeth. These include tea, coffee, red wine, highly pigmented berries like blueberries and blackberries, and dark sauces like soy. To prevent stains and discolouration, try to enjoy these foods and drinks in moderation only.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, your dietary choices can play an important role. Try to limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as these can lead to tooth decay. Choose whole foods as much as possible, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and calcium-rich dairy products.
Stay hydrated
It’s important that you drink plenty of water for the sake of your overall and oral health. Sodas, sports drinks and fruit juices tend to be sugary and acidic and can cause serious damage to the teeth, while water helps to keep the teeth clean and often contains enamel-strengthening fluoride.
If you eat or drink something particularly sweet or acidic or that may cause stains on your teeth, drink a glass of water afterwards. This will help to wash away leftover particles and keep your mouth fresh and clean.
How can we help?
At Murwillumbah Dental, we offer dental check-ups and cleans and encourage our patients to come in and see us at least once every six months. Seeing us for regular dental assessments can go a long way in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. To find out what you can expect at a dental check-up and clean at our practice, please have a look here.
If you would like to make an appointment to see us, please contact us here.
