Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. A great smile is not only memorable; it shows your confidence and happiness. However, it does take some work on your part to keep it healthy and looking its best. That’s why your Boise dentist at Summit Dental would like to provide you with the following tips to keep your smile healthy while preventing future dental problems.
Brushing your teeth is essential when it comes to maintaining optimal dental health. It helps to remove germs, bacteria, and leftover food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least 2x a day for at least two minutes. At Summit Dental, our Boise dentist suggests using a soft bristle toothbrush to brush both your teeth and tongue.
For added protection, make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste and brush every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed. However, it’s important to wait at least 30 minutes after that first cup of coffee, juice, or energy drink to prevent any damage to your teeth due to acid exposure. You should also take the time to floss each day to remove food and buildup between your teeth and along the gum line.
Limiting your intake of certain foods and beverages can protect your enamel and prevent tooth decay and other serious dental problems. Sugary, acidic beverages can break down the enamel of your teeth. When this happens, your teeth are more prone to decay. That’s why it’s best to limit your intake of soda, energy, and sports drinks. Candy also isn’t a good choice if you want to maintain a healthy smile. While you can indulge once in a while, it’s important to avoid sticky, chewy candies like gummies and suckers because they stay in your mouth longer. This, in turn, gives acid and bacteria more time to do its damage.
It may seem like a no-brainer, but you can actually overbrush your teeth. Brushing too hard, long, or often can wear down your enamel. As we talked about above, this can make your teeth more prone to tooth decay and other serious problems. If you brush too hard or use a hard-bristled toothbrush, you can damage the enamel of your teeth or gums. If your gums become damaged, bacteria can infect the tissue around your teeth, which could ultimately result in tooth loss.
You can avoid future dental problems by taking adequate care of your teeth and gums. Remember to brush and floss your teeth at least 2x a day and avoid certain foods and beverages to keep your smile as healthy as possible. Looking for a great Boise dentist? Contact Summit Dental Group at (208) 314-2275 or fill out our online form for an appointment.
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