7 Dental Tips For A Healthier Smile
Posted January 08, 2018 in Uncategorized
Seven or more helpful tips to improve your oral health.
1. Brush & Floss Daily Properly
That’s right! Make your daily oral health routine count, by brushing and flossing properly.
Brushing
Take the manual labor out of your daily routine and switch to an electric toothbrush. It has been proven that using an electric toothbrush removes more plaque and is more effective than a manual toothbrush.
Flossing
Next time you go to the dentist and they ask you, “when was the last time you flossed?” be sure your answer isn’t 6 months ago at your last exam. Adding flossing to your daily routine will actually increase your life expectancy and reduce your risk of heart disease. When you floss, use a clean section of floss for each tooth so you do not reinsert the bacteria you just cleaned from a tooth.
2. Chew Sugar-free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum after eating increases saliva flow according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The saliva flow washes out food particles and bacteria which helps prevent dental cavities. When shopping for sugar-free gum, always look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal for best results.
3. Drink Water
Drinking water rather than other sugar drink options is healthier for your whole body and especially your smile. Water flushes out food particles and quenches a dry mouth. A healthy amount of fluoride in water will help fight cavities by strengthening your enamel. Many bottled water and tap water already contain fluoride, but always check the bottle label to make sure!
4. See Your Dentist Prior To A Big Trip or Vacation
Nothing will ruin a trip quicker than a toothache or other dental related issues. Always schedule your regular exam and cleaning prior to your trip to ensure a relaxing vacation. You want to have a thorough exam with x-rays so your dentist can identify any underlying problems before they become an unexpected issue.
5. Eat Strawberries
Strawberries?? Yes! By consuming this sweet treat, you are actually achieving a whiter smile. Strawberries are known as a natural teeth whitener because they can remove plaque and surface debris. After eating your berries, wait 30 minutes then brush your teeth. Waiting 30 minutes will ensure the acidic fruit will not harm the enamel on your teeth.
6. Look for the ADA Seal
A product that has the ADA seal of acceptance meets strict guideline and manufacturer regulations. When you see the seal, you can be assured that the ADA is scientifically evaluated to be effective. You can find a full list of approved products on the ADA website.
7. See Your Dentist Every 6 Months
Lastly, it is vital to your oral health that you visit your dentist every 6 months. Digital x-rays can reveal underlying problems that are not visible to the naked eye. For example, at OC Healthy Smiles, with our state of the art technology, you can have an oral cancer screening during your regular visit. Early detection of oral cancer and other issues can save you time, money, and possibly your life. To schedule your next exam and cleaning call (714) 545-0484.