Maintaining a Healthy Smile

One of the best ways to have a healthy smile is to prevent oral health problems before they start. While most people try to keep a basic oral hygiene routine, there’s more to dental health than just brushing your teeth. If you want to learn more about how to have healthy teeth, here are three tips to keep in mind.

1. Stay on top of your oral hygiene.

Everyone knows that brushing and flossing your teeth are important, but it’s also important that you do it correctly. You should aim to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, as harder bristles or rough brushing can wear away your tooth enamel over time. While flossing, try to pull the floss up and slightly under your gums in order to reach the bacteria and plaque that collect in those pockets. If you’re wondering how to have healthy gums, this flossing method can help stave off gum disease.

2. Eat a vitamin-rich diet.

Vitamins and minerals aren’t just good for your body—they’re good for your teeth, too! Calcium works to strengthen your tooth enamel, so eating calcium-rich foods like dairy are great for your teeth. Roughage like carrots, apples, or leafy greens can also help scrape away plaque and bacteria as you’re chewing, so your mouth gets a good scrubbing while you’re eating your healthy snack.

3. Avoid these pitfalls.

It’s not enough to eat healthy foods—you should try to cut out the bad foods, too. Sticky or hard food can put a lot of pressure on your teeth, which means you run the risk of damaging them as well as any existing dental work you do have. Sugary foods and especially drinks such as soda can cause tooth decay, while some beverages like coffee or red wine can stain. One of the worst things you can do for your oral health is to smoke and chew tobacco, as not only do these stain your teeth, but they can also cause oral cancer. Avoiding alcohol whenever possible will also help your oral health in the long run.

At Richmond Dental, we care about your smile. If you have any questions about preventative care or would like to book an appointment, call our office today!