You may think you have your oral care routine nailed: brush twice daily, floss at least once a day, swish with an anti-bacterial mouthwash every day. And, of course, see your dentist regularly for and exam and professional cleaning. Check!
But there are a few things you should be doing (or not doing) that can really kick up your care and help keep your teeth brighter and healthier. Here are some tips:
Use fluoride. But not too much fluoride
Fluoride strengthens enamel, and that’s a great thing. It helps keep your teeth strong so you’re less likely to develop decay. And three out of four of us have fluoride in our drinking water to make it easy to expose our teeth to its positive effects. If your water isn’t fluoridated, talk to your dentist. He or she may suggest applying fluoride to your teeth after cleaning. In addition, most toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride. But make sure you use it sparingly on young children’s teeth as it can cause permanent white spots on their teeth.
Be smarter about what you eat
A nutritious diet is essential for having healthy teeth and gums. So be aware of the balanced diet of real, whole foods that you need. In addition to green, leafy vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts, many nutritionists recommend eating the omega-3 fats found in fish to help reduce inflammation – which lowers the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Eliminate sugar. (You don’t have to give it up)
Sugar is being accused of contributing to all kinds of health problems, from obesity and diabetes to arthritis — and gum diseases. When bacteria in the mouth break down simple sugars, they produce the acids that erode enamel, and that’s the beginning of getting tooth decay. The problem is that sugar is hidden everywhere – in fruit juice, energy drinks and bars, yogurt – for example. So just to be sure, rinse your mouth well or chew sugarless gum after you eat after you eat.
Ask you dentist for more tips
Call for your appointment today:
(404) 255-9080
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