Tips For a Healthier Smile

Let’s face it: most of us are always on the hunt for the next best product, or the top secret, magic pill that will wipe away our every last problem. Maybe it’s the newest whitening fad, or maybe it’s the latest and greatest toothbrush model that promises to eliminate plaque. Whatever the case, we’re here to give you some tips for a healthier smile, because preventative care is much easier and cost effective than having to undergo involved dental treatment down the road. 

Brush two times a day

• • It’s a given, but never forget the importance of brushing your teeth. Over time, plaque can harden to tartar, and frequent brushing helps counter this to keep your teeth whiter and happier.
  • Brushing alone is not enough! Keeping up with brushing and flossing helps to keep cavities and disease away. You hear it a ton, but it’s so important! Did you know you miss removing roughly 40% of plaque food debris when you skip flossing?

Floss, floss, floss… and more floss!

• • It’s redundant, but the importance of flossing cannot go unknown! When you skip flossing, you miss  roughly 40-50% of plaque and food debris from in between your teeth (and where some of the worst bacteria is likely to hide). Flossing is the only way to combat and remove the icky stuff from in between your teeth, no matter how well you brush or how fancy your toothbrush is.

Limit foods and beverages that are high in acidity, such as:

• • Certain fruits (oranges, lemons, pineapples, grapefruits, etc.)
  • Soda
  • Tea
  • Wine 
  • Tomato products (pasta sauce, ketchup, salsa, etc)
  • Coffee

Foods and beverages that are high in acidity are hard on the natural enamel on your teeth and can do some damage. Over time, acidic foods and beverages erode the natural enamel on the teeth, which can lead to discoloration and a weakened, sensitive tooth. Eat acidic foods alongside less acidic foods to balance, such as nuts, cheese, bananas, whole grains, and eggs. Fish and lean meats are also good options of foods that are low in acidity, but strengthening to your enamel.

Choose a QUALITY TOOTHBRUSH, and change it at least once every 3 months.

• • At River Run Dental, we recommend many patients use electric toothbrushes because they help with proper control of pressure and with guiding the brush along each section of the mouth.

Maintain regular visits to your dentist

• • If you wait until you feel pain, it’s probably already too late. Initially, most dental issues don’t cause pain. For example, cavities are painless before they become too deep. Once you feel pain, though, it is likely that infection or bacteria have made their way to places they shouldn’t have. Make frequent routine dental hygiene visits to nip any invisible-to-you problems and to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

Drink more water than anything else

• • Drinking water is good for your health in many aspects, and is helpful to your oral health as well. Water helps to wash away any extra acid, germs or food particles that may be left behind after meals, and it’s also better for your teeth than sugary or acidic drink alternatives.

Give up smoking

• • Easier said than done, but quitting smoking can drastically help to improve your oral health. Smoking causes stains on teeth and can soak into the enamel of your teeth (yuck)! Smoking also has a linked affect to the health of your gums, and can cause them to recede and develop pockets around your teeth. In turn, this can make it much more difficult to reverse any gum disease.

To maintain your healthiest possible smile, follow these tips and the instructions of your doctor. If you have any more questions regarding maintaining a healthy smile, comment below or give us a call at 804.262.1060.