Best Practices For A Healthy Smile

Teeth are an important part of our body. They help in chewing our food, speaking, and smiling. They play an important role in making a good first impression.

The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for cleanings and routine exams. These appointments can help to identify and fix minor dental issues in the early stages before they become major problems. However, there are some other things you can do at home to make sure your smile stays healthy between visits. Here are some best practices to follow for oral health prevention.

• Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing and flossing are the keys to maintaining good oral health. Brushing your teeth helps to prevent tooth decay by removing plaque from your teeth before it can turn into tartar. It also keeps your gums healthy and strong by stimulating circulation in the gum tissues. Be sure to brush your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day using fluoride toothpaste to remove as much plaque as possible. You should also floss at least once a day to keep food particles and plaque from building up between teeth.

You need to ensure you're doing the best job of cleaning your mouth, especially if you wear braces. This means brushing your teeth twice per day for at least two minutes at a time. Stick with a soft-bristled toothbrush that won't irritate your sensitive gums, and brush gently around wires and brackets. Floss with great care using the special orthodontic flossing method that we'll show you at your appointments.

• Quit Tobacco Use

In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, you should also manage your dental health to ensure it stays in optimal condition. This means quitting smoking or chewing tobacco-based products. Tobacco use is detrimental to the health of your mouth and can cause a variety of oral problems, including oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss. 

• Protect Your Teeth From Trauma

You can help to protect your smile from dental trauma by avoiding certain behaviors like biting your fingernails or eating ice. Biting your fingernails can cause damage to your teeth and cause them to chip or crack.

• Eat A Well-Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet is important for maintaining your healthy smile. It is important to eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains every day. It is also important to avoid sugars and other carbohydrates that can damage your teeth.

A healthy diet will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong. A well-balanced diet also improves your dental health by decreasing the amount of plaque on your teeth. 

Additionally, you should make sure your diet includes enough calcium to support the health of your teeth. Dairy products are a great source of calcium, but you can also get your daily recommended amount with supplements if needed.

• See Your Dentist Regularly

It's vital that you see your dentist every six months for regular checkups, cleanings, and any necessary treatments. Even if you are confident in your smile's health, it's important to have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year to remove plaque buildup from hard-to-reach areas in the mouth.

By visiting the dentist every six months, you can stay on top of your oral health to avoid cavities and gum disease. When left untreated, these common dental problems can lead to serious health issues like heart disease. At our practice, we use digital x-rays to spot structures that are hidden deep below the gum line so we can catch any problems early before they can become more serious.

For the dental treatment option, visit Denali Dental Care at 625 E. 34th Ave. #200, Anchorage, AK 99503, or call (907) 274-7691 to book an appointment.