Don't forget to floss!
Taking good care of your teeth, mouth and gums is one of the most crucial parts of your daily hygiene routine! Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Problems in your mouth can be a sign of issues with your overall health -- or can sometimes lead to problems in other parts of your body. I like to think of it this way: If your mouth is healthy, chances are your body is healthy, too.
Why is oral health so important?
Well, in addition to keeping your pearly whites bright so you don’t lose that dazzling smile, good oral hygiene habits can combat a variety of problems. Your mouth is full of bacteria -- most of which is harmless. But unless you take the right measures to keep your mouth clean, bacteria can multiply and expand, releasing toxins which can cause infections and pain. Naturally, this can really put a damper on your lifestyle and aren't the kinds of things anyone wants to deal with!
So what can you do to protect the health of your mouth and keep your teeth happy and glistening?
Don’t Forget to Floss!
Not enough of my patients remember to floss every day, but it’s a very important part of cleaning your teeth. Brushing clears away plaque and debris from the surface of your teeth, but you have to floss in order to get into the sneaky crevices in between your teeth and around the gumline. If you don't believe me, try taking a whiff of the unpleasantries from in between-- Your teeth (and breath) will thank you for this!
Eat Good-For-You Foods
What you eat has a big impact on your oral health. Stick to a healthy diet that provides the nutrients you need to keep gum disease at bay. Vitamins A and C are particularly important for your teeth and gums. Foods high in these vitamins include green leafy vegetables, scallions, brussels sprouts (roasted are my fave!), cabbage, broccoli, prunes, carrots, sweet potato, spinach and eggs. Also, try to steer away from highly acidic & sugary snacks and beverages, which can cause cavities and other dental issues. Opt for sweet fruits instead.
Get Regular Checkups
As dentists we are here to help! We care as much about your teeth as you do, so schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to make sure you don’t develop unnecessary dental problems for yourself. Cleanings help remove any built-up plaque and tartar on your teeth that can lead to stains, odors, cavities and gum disease.
A little extra care can go a long way when it comes to your dental health! It doesn't take long to stay on top of good habits that can make a big difference in the amount of dental problems you have to deal with over the years. You deserve an all-around healthy lifestyle that makes you feel great every single day, so keep yourself looking and feeling great for life with an oral hygiene routine that works.
