Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body. Taking care of your mouth is essential to take proper care of your entire body. Our practice understands it. If you have bad eating habits or follow poor oral hygiene, then you are at risk of cavities, tooth decay, and even health conditions. In between visits, at-home care is vital to reducing tooth decay.
Keep in mind the following tips to keep your smile healthy for years to come!
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can help remove stains and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. It also gives your gums a good cleaning.
Floss Daily
Flossing at least once a day is essential if you want a healthy smile. Flossing allows you to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline. This prevents plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Use An Oral Rinse
An oral rinse can help kill bacteria that can cause bad breath, plaque buildup, and cavities. Rinses can also neutralize acids in the mouth, which helps to prevent tooth decay. Be sure to choose an over-the-counter rinse that is alcohol-free so it will not dry out your mouth.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for your teeth.
Eating more produce increases your intake of vitamins and nutrients, which helps to keep your body and mouth healthy. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that are good for the body and that may also be good for your teeth.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can stain your teeth, make them more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, and increase your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. The chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can also increase your risk for oral cancer.
Smoking can also lead to bad breath. The chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can damage your gums, and as your gums begin to recede, the buildup of tartar and plaque on your teeth increases. Inflamed gums also cause chronic bad breath. So, better quit smoking now!
See Your Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist regularly can help maintain a healthy mouth. Your dentist can spot issues early on and help prevent minor issues from becoming major ones.
Avoid Sugary Foods
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and sugar. Bacteria love sugar, so the more sugary foods and beverages you consume, the more risk you have of developing tooth decay. Additionally, when you consume sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid as a waste product. This acid can cause damage to your teeth.
If you want to learn more about oral health tips, contact Dental Arts of Boston at (617) 266-0441 today to book an appointment with Boston Dentist. Our team can offer guidance and make product recommendations for your unique smile.