Routine checkups and cleanings allow us to take steps to keep your smile healthy. However, maintaining optimal oral health takes more than regular dental visits. You also need to take care of your smile at home as well. In today’s blog, we’re looking at five ways you can keep your smile healthy from home!
Keeping Smiles Healthy From Home
- Brush Your Teeth: Brushing your teeth helps remove the food particles and harmful bacteria that can cause plaque buildup, safeguarding your smile against the onset of tooth decay and gingivitis, while also combatting bad breath and discoloration. You should brush your teeth twice each day, once when waking up and again before going to bed.
- Floss Daily: Every night before going to sleep you need to floss your teeth. Flossing cleans between the teeth, where a toothbrush’s bristles cannot reach. For that reason, flossing is vital for maintaining optimal oral health and safeguarding your smile against cavities and gum issues.
- Don’t Smoke: When you smoke and use tobacco products, you can increase the risk of periodontitis (a major cause of tooth loss), teeth stains, oral cancer, and other forms of cancer.
- Cut Back on Sugary Foods: Sugary foods and drinks can leave behind particles for bacteria to break down, a process that not only elevates oral acidity, but also coats the teeth in plaque. Soon, the outer enamel can weaken and the gum tissue can become inflamed, leading to serious complications for your smile’s health. Instead, try consuming more fresh fruit, veggies, nuts, and dairy products.
- Drink More Water: Instead of soda, energy drinks, or sports drinks, which all contain sugars and/or acids, drink more water! Your tap water not only helps hydrate, but also contains fluoride, which can strengthen your smile against the risk of cavities.
Do You Need Dental Care?
At Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, our team is ready to help you maintain a healthier and more beautiful smile. We’ve proudly served our patients in Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
