Many people think of beautiful teeth, when they think about smiles. However, the teeth and gums must first be in excellent health before they can serve as confidence-builders and cosmetic assets. You may already realize that you need to be brushing your teeth everyday in order to keep your smile healthy, much less attractive. But are you curious what more you could be doing to care for your smile? If so, your preventive dentist can help educate you on the importance of dental hygiene, a healthy diet and what else can be done to keep your smile healthy.
Preventive Care Means Daily Hygiene
Twice daily tooth brushing is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But it’s not enough to adequately prevent plaque buildup. You should also be flossing every day to remove the food particles and bacteria that are prone to gather between your teeth, where a brush can’t reach.
Mouthwashes can also help fight plaque buildup, however they are not a substitute for brushing or flossing.
You Also Need a Well-Balanced Diet
What you eat has a major effect on your oral health. Too much sugar, or starch, can lead to an increased risk of developing cavities and even gum disease. That’s because the plaque bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars. When they are given a great deal of sugar, they can create acidity, which can lead to acidic erosion and inflammation.
Eating a diet high in vegetables, lean proteins and dairy products is a great way to supply your teeth and gums with the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy.
Drinking water frequently can also aid in your quest for oral health, by helping you produce plaque-fighting saliva.
