Keeping Your Smile Healthy

Since your smile is one of the first things that people notice, it’s important to keep your smile healthy on the inside and out with regular dental cleanings.  Taking care of your smile is vital to your oral health.  Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste is step one.  You should never miss daily brushing.  Flossing is also a daily task that many people don’t always do.  You will do yourself a favor by getting in the habit of flossing daily.

When it comes to food and drinks limit or avoid sugary and starchy snacks, soda, juice or energy drinks.  Tooth decay and gum disease can be prevalent if you consumer too much of these items.  Adults get cavities too; cavities aren’t just a kid problem. Smoking is bad for your health, bad for your breath and bad for your smile, so don’t smoke or chew smokeless tobacco.  Coffee, tea and red wine are the most staining beverages you can consume.

If you’re active, you should wear an athletic mouthguard.  Ask your dental professional about the new advances in mouthguards.  You can have a custom made mouthguard that will protect your teeth and gums.  Streamline in design, new mouthguards are easy and comfortable to wear and allow athletes to easily talk and communicate unlike bulky ill-fitting mouthguards of the past.

To maintain a healthy smile, don’t pierce your lips, tongue or any part of your mouth.  It is easy to get infections from oral piercings. Drinking water every day helps keep your mouth clean and hydrate your body. Regular dental visits every six months for checkups and professional cleanings are a good way to monitor and maintain good oral health.  Be healthy and smile, smiling is good for your soul and your mood!