Oral Health Regiments Recommended by a Family Dentist

A healthy smile requires a lifetime of care. Your family dentist can start looking after your teeth from a young age and continue through adulthood. Two visits a year are recommended for professional cleanings and thorough checkups, but it is also critical that you incorporate appropriate daily oral hygiene steps to prevent problems from occurring that can negatively impact the health of your smile.

Adopt a healthy diet

They say you are what you eat, and this is especially true when it comes to your teeth. The things you choose to eat and drink can have a big impact on your dental health. 

Limit acidic and sugary foods

Sugary food and drinks are particularly damaging to your teeth. In your mouth, sugar is ultimately converted to acid, which can lead to tooth enamel erosion. This is the process that causes cavities. Tooth enamel can also be damaged by coffee, tea, and acidic foods such as citrus fruits. Avoid emergency trips to your family dentist by consuming these things in moderation.

Drink lots of water

For overall health, water is the recommended beverage option. Drinking water after every meal can help to clear the residue from sticky and acidic foods and beverages from your teeth before you have the chance to brush. If you drink tap water, you may reap an additional benefit as most municipal water supplies include fluoride, which helps to strengthen enamel.

Eat crunchy vegetables and fruits

Fresh, crisp produce containing healthy fiber is better for oral health. The process of chewing crunchy food helps to scrape tartar and plaque from the surface of teeth. This also stimulates saliva production to flush bacteria from the mouth.

Choose foods rich in vitamins and minerals

Foods that are high in calcium, such as yogurt, cheese, tofu, almonds, and milk, help to strengthen teeth and bones. Foods rich in vitamin C, including tomatoes, citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, and spinach, are beneficial for your gums. Phosphorous is also helpful for building strong teeth and can be found in beans, dairy, eggs, fish, nuts, and lean meat.

Care for your teeth

In addition to a healthy diet and regular preventive visits to your family dentist, it is important to take daily steps to brush, floss, and care for your teeth to keep cavities at bay.

Brush teeth frequently

The family dentist's recommendation to brush your teeth at least twice a day is well-known but not always well-heeded. Most people remember to brush before leaving the house for the day. However, many people neglect to brush their teeth at night before going to bed. That is an important time to brush to eliminate the plaque and germs that have accumulated in the mouth throughout the day.

Brush teeth properly

The method of brushing is also extremely important. These six steps help with correct procedures:

1. Use the correct tools, including fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush that is soft so as not to irritate your gums.
2. Brush in circles, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to better clean your gums.
3. Clean all the tooth surfaces. Focus on the teeth's chewing surfaces, gaps between your teeth, and the backs of your teeth. 
4. Clean your tongue to eliminate any remaining bacteria in your mouth.
5. Flush out the lather you have created in your mouth by rinsing and spitting. Ensure you do not swallow the toothpaste, as fluoride is good for teeth but can be harmful to eat. Mouthwash can provide an extra dose of fluoride, kill bacteria, strengthen your teeth, and help prevent gum disease, but you can also choose to rinse with clear water.
6. Repeat the process. You should spend 3-5 minutes to properly clean your teeth. If you spent less time than that, you were probably not thorough enough and should repeat at least part of the process.

Floss your teeth

Flossing is another aspect of tooth care that most people know about but do not always complete. Flossing is good for removing small remnants of food that can get stuck between teeth. However, the most important benefits of flossing are to reduce plaque, stimulate the gums, and lower the risk of general inflammation.

Conclusion

Your twice-annual visit to your family dentist will take care of your deep cleanings, checkups, and other oral care needs. Be sure to ask your dental professional to provide feedback on how well you are keeping up your responsibility with the daily care of your teeth. Your efforts to eat well and practice proper hygiene tactics are important to maintain a bright and healthy smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.southerncalsmiles.com or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at (818) 657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.

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