Follow These 5 Tips for a Healthier Mouth

A healthy mouth is an important component of a healthy body, so if you want to keep your smile and your body in tip-top shape, follow these five suggestions.

1. Get routine dental exams and professional cleanings every six months. In order to keep your smile as healthy as possible, you should be established with a family dentistry practice and be seen there twice a year. Professional cleanings help to eliminate any plaque and tartar that may have accumulated despite your home oral hygiene routine. Furthermore, when your dentist examines your teeth and gums at such regular intervals, it’s more likely that any problems will be detected in their earliest and most treatable stages.
2. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. In order to keep plaque buildup at a minimum between visits to your dentist, you should brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes each time. You should also floss to keep your gumline as clean and free from bacteria as possible. Make sure you’re using the correct technique as well. You can check in with the professionals at your family dentistry practice if you’d like a refresher on brushing your teeth as thoroughly and effectively as possible.
3. Eat a nutritious diet and limit your intake of sweet treats and beverages. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and sufficient calcium intake all are important for building strong teeth. You should also reduce your intake of sugary foods and beverages, as they can provide a nutrition source for harmful oral bacteria. Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and sodas, can also compromise your smile by weakening your teeth. Certain foods in your diet may also stain your teeth, so consider cutting back on your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine and berries and other deep-hued foods and beverages to make sure that your teeth stay as white as possible as well.
4. Keep your stress in check. Stress may be linked to the kind of inflammation associated with gum disease, so if you are able to manage your stress levels, it may protect your oral health as well.
5. Quit smoking (or better yet, don’t start!). Tobacco use is associated with a host of oral health ills, so consider getting help with smoking cessation if you still partake in this habit.

Want to learn more about the best ways to keep your smile healthy? Contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan at 214-343-1818 and speak to a member of our experienced staff.