Boise Dentist Tips For Healthy Teeth & Gums

Everyone wants to flash a beautiful smile. However, not everyone practices daily habits that support a healthy mouth. Things like smoking, chewing ice, forgetting to floss, or not brushing long enough can dull a happy smile and diminishing your oral health. At Summit Dental, we care about our patients, and we’re here to help you nix some of these bad habits while helping your pick up some healthier ones. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following easy lifestyle changes for healthy teeth and gums.

Brush For Two Minutes

Optimal brushing results are achieved within two minutes while holding a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle. It’s also important to replace your toothbrush every two months to help reduce the buildup of harmful bacteria. In addition to brushing twice a day, it’s also important to floss after meals.

An Apple a Day

An apple a day keeps the dentist away! It’ll also do the same to harmful bacteria. By eating an apple a day or other fruits in general, you’ll boost your oral health because the process of chewing these natural sweets helps to stimulate the gums while increasing the flow of saliva in your mouth, which is nature’s natural cleanser. *Keep in mind that a dry mouth is more susceptible to bacteria growth.

Watch What You Eat and Drink

Sugar. It’s everywhere these days and in practically every processed food that you can imagine. Unfortunately, while most of us tend to think of expanding waistlines when it comes to sugar, many of us forget that sugar also clings to our teeth, causing cavities to develop. Just as you would maintain a healthy diet, it’s just as important to limit your sugar intake to promote a healthier mouth as well. While it’s impossible to avoid many of the sugary treats we love so much, simple changes can go along way. These include not adding sugar to your coffee or tea and avoiding candies, soda, and other processed food.

Stop Smoking

As we covered many times in the past, smoking is bad for you in all sorts of ways, and your oral health is no exception. In addition to making your teeth yellow, smoking can also blacken your gums. Even worse, smoking makes your gums less healthy while increasing your risk of developing cancer and gum disease, among so many other things.

Schedule Regular Visits to Your Boise Dentist

In addition to each of these healthy habits, be sure to visit your Boise dentist for regular teeth cleanings and checkups. Need additional services? Your Boise dentist at Summit Dental is here to help with all your best smile restoration needs. No matter the reason, contact our downtown Boise office by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 314-2275 to help get your smile back on track!