Keeping Your Smile Healthy – What Daily Habits Should You Add to Your Dental Routine?

As adults, most of us have only 32 teeth to last us a lifetime. While we obviously need them in good condition to chew our food, we also want to maintain a healthy smile and feel good about ourselves. 

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

The most important part of keeping a healthy smile starts with good oral hygiene. Starting and ending your day with a 2-minute session with your toothbrush can help achieve this. Brushing helps remove bacteria and food particles that cause gum and tooth decay. Use a toothpaste with fluoride and be sure to cover all tooth surfaces.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet 

Eating a diet that’s rich in lean proteins, veggies, fruits, and grains will give you the nutrients you need to maintain strong teeth and a healthy smile. Try to limit sugar intake, and avoid beverages that stain enamel, like coffee, tea, and red wine.

Floss Daily

Flossing allows you to remove food particles that a toothbrush just can’t reach. Getting the floss in between the teeth and along the gum line for a few minutes before bed can help maintain that healthy smile.

Use Mouthwash

Using mouthwash after eating or drinking beverages that may stain, can help rinse away harmful materials, kill bacteria, as well as freshen breath. This is the preferred alternative to brushing after each meal since too much brushing can wear away the enamel of the teeth. Alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride is a safe, gentle, and effective choice. 

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is not only vital to good overall health, but it’s great for your teeth too. Water helps wash away food and bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. The fluoride in tap water also helps to strengthen teeth.

Reduce Gum, Mints, and Hard Candy

While most of us enjoy the occasional gum or hard candy, it’s important not to over-consume them. Over time, these goodies can wear down enamel, cause cavities, and even cause a tooth to chip or break. It’s especially important if you have dental work. 

Schedule Regular Dental Exams 

One of the best ways to ensure a healthy smile is to schedule (and keep) annual dental exams. This way, not only do you get a thorough cleaning, but the dentist can identify any issues before they affect your smile. 

Contact Highpoint Dental for More Information

Let our team of experts help you create the perfect daily routine to ensure optimal oral health. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking for new ways to keep your mouth healthy, our team at Highpoint Dental is here to help. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!