Visiting the dentist is just one part of attaining a brighter smile. You can enhance the appearance and health of your teeth with practical changes in diet and habit. These changes, in combination with dental care, can drastically improve how your smile looks and feels. Consider the following advice on how to increase good habits and maintain a bright smile.
More Fruits, More Vegetables
A good diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, which produce many necessary nutrients for our general health. These foods are equally as good for our teeth, keeping bacteria at safe levels. The fiber in apples, celery, and other fruits act as natural flossing material, scrubbing the teeth. Acidity in many fruits such as oranges and strawberries protect the teeth from bacterial growth, which is the source of plaque and decay. Additional benefits include improved saliva production, which also plays a role in decay prevention. If fruits and vegetables aren’t a regular part of your diet, then strive to replace other snacks with them. You could even save money, for bulk fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than candy bars or chips.
Besides increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water is another way to help your oral health. Our teeth and gums need water to remain hydrated and healthy, which helps them fight off infection and maintain the acidity in our smiles. If you find your lips or mouth are dry, then you’re dehydrated. Keeping a water bottle around will encourage you to drink water regularly.
Give your Teeth a Hand
It’s easy to tell people to cut out their bad habits cold turkey, but often this leads to an imbalance for the individual. Instead, build up to better oral health by weaning yourself off food and habits which negatively impact dentition. Use of tobacco products, excessive sugar and alcohol consumption are the most studied contributors to poor dental health. Dry mouth and enamel erosion are common symptoms of these habits, contributing to tooth staining and decay.
Improve Good Habits
Some cosmetic dental issues can be reversed by improving brushing and flossing habits at home. Following this dental standard will keep your teeth clean and healthy: brush twice a day, for at least two minutes, and floss at least once. Additionally, one can avoid tooth staining from drinks like coffee and tea by drinking through a straw, allowing the beverage to bypass the front teeth.
Another habit to introduce is regular dental visits, every six months, which lets your dedicated dentist care for your smile with expert cleanings and tailored treatments. Dr. Brenda Copeland provides quality general dental care to individuals who want to improve their oral health and attain a bright smile. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call us today.