Best Practices To Have A Healthy Smile

Good oral health is important for a number of reasons. Not only does it affect the appearance of your smile, but it also impacts the health of your teeth and gums. Good oral health can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections. It also makes your smile look and function better. Here are the best practices for maintaining good oral health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day

Brushing and flossing your teeth every day are two of the best things you can do to have a healthy smile. Bacteria and plaque are the enemies of a healthy smile. Brushing your teeth at least twice per day will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. If left unchecked, these substances can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. By brushing your teeth at least twice per day, you can help to protect your smile from tooth decay and gum disease.

Here's the best approach to brushing your teeth:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Brush your teeth gently, spending at least two minutes brushing.
• Brush your teeth in a circular motion, making sure to reach every area.
• Brush the outside, inside, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
• Brush your tongue, too.

• Floss daily

The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.

Make flossing a part of your daily routine:

• Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and below the gum line.
• Use a clean section of floss for each tooth.
• Gently glide the floss between your teeth.
• Curve the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Slide the floss up and down, making sure to clean below the gum line.

• Use a mouthwash

Using mouthwash can help to freshen your breath and fight germs. It can also help to remove plaque, which can build up on teeth. While mouthwash can't cure gingivitis, it can help prevent it. Regular mouthwash use can also help prevent tooth decay.

• See a dentist regularly

Everyone should see a dentist regularly. Adults and children should visit their dentist every six months. This is important for routine cleanings and exams. Your dentist will clean your teeth and check for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and oral cancer screenings.

• Eat a healthy diet

Eating a diet that is rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein is beneficial for your smile. Foods such as low-fat milk, cheese, chicken, beans, almonds, tofu, and leafy greens are all great options.

• Avoid tobacco

Tobacco use is a risk factor for many oral health problems. Tobacco is bad for your health in general. It can cause tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth cancer. Tobacco can also stain your teeth. So, quit tobacco usage at the earliest. 

If you haven't scheduled your dental visit yet, contact Focus Dental Group at (801) 255-7101 or visit our dental office located at 6770 S 900 E Suite 301, Midvale, UT 84047.