If only your teeth could talk, then you would already know what they need in order to remain healthy, strong and beautiful for you. But since they can’t, your preventive dentist must speak for them. Knowing how to properly care for your smile can make the difference between enjoying it for many years to come, and losing many of your teeth while you’re still young. If you take the time to learn what your teeth want you to know about how to keep them pretty and healthy, you can enjoy a beautiful smile.
Hygiene Is Great, But It’s Not Enough
Proper daily hygiene is crucial to maintaining your oral health, but it is not a suitable substitute for regular professional cleanings. Your dentist is able to remove tartar buildup that brushing and flossing leave behind. Removing tartar is essential to preventing cavities, infection and the development of gum disease.
In some cases, especially if it has been many years since your last dental appointment, you may require more extensive cleaning in order to improve your gum health. Your dentist can discuss your treatment options if there are signs of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Eating for Better Dental Health, Too
Understanding the role your diet plays in your oral health can help you make wiser decisions about the foods and beverages you consume. Obviously sugar is a leading culprit in the formation of cavities, so you should limit your sugar intake.
Eating a well-balanced diet and drinking lots of water can also help keep you, and your mouth, healthy. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as water, keep your teeth cleaner in between brushings, and help you effectively break down the other foods you eat. Avoiding too many starches, which break down into sugar, can also aid you in your fight against plaque buildup.