Everyone wants a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s why good oral hygiene is important. Not caring for your teeth will not only affect your appearance, it can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems as well. That’s why the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group would like to provide you with the following oral hygiene tips.
One of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile is to keep your teeth clean. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will help remove food particles left behind from eating and prevent acid buildup. However, if you are unable to brush your teeth throughout the day, it’s important to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water after eating to minimize the breakdown of food particles that cause the buildup of tooth decaying bacteria.
We all know that flossing can seem like a chore and many of us often forget after brushing. However, flossing is an important step to help you remove leftover food particles between your teeth and other substances that brushing cannot. Flossing allows you to reach deep where the bristles of a toothbrush simply cannot reach. At Summit Dental Group, we recommend flossing at least once a day.
Tobacco can not only stain your teeth, it can cause lung and mouth cancer as well. By abstaining from tobacco you will not only avoid countless side effects, your breath will smell better too. Smokers often mask the smell of their breath using mints, gum, and candies. The overuse of many of these products can often double the amount of damage caused by tobacco.
Everyone knows that sugar is damaging to your teeth. But how does sugar actually do the damage? It may be interesting to know that the main culprit isn’t the sugar itself, rather it’s the acid it produces. When you drink large amounts of juice and soda, the bacteria in your mouth begins to feed off the sugar creating acid that eats away at your tooth enamel.
Keep in mind that it is ok to indulge in a sugary drink every so often. However, when you do, it’s important to wait to brush your teeth. While it may seem like a good idea to brush right away, you should wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acid rich foods. The reason? The acid in fruit juice and soda softens your enamel and brushing your teeth can wear it away even further.
Calcium plays an important role in maintaining a healthy mouth. Not only is it essential for your bones but your teeth as well. That’s why it’s important to drink mmilk andto eat calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. Keep in mind that other vitamins are also necessary when it comes to maintaining the health of your gums and teeth.
Last but not least, you should visit your downtown Boise dentist at least twice a year. When you stay up-to-date on your checkups and cleanings, you’re not just checking off an item off your to-do list, you’re taking a big step towards maintaining a healthy smile.
If you would like more information on ways to boost your oral health call us at (208) 314-2275. Our Boise dentists would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a complete exam and cleaning to help you maintain the natural beauty of your smile.
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