Good dental health starts with what you do at home each day. Good oral care habits make all the difference when it comes to protecting your teeth from decay and damage over decades of use. They also keep your gums healthy, so you can avoid infections that put your whole body at risk. However, it’s not just about investing in top-tier dental products, even the simplest of tweaks to your routine can protect your smile. We wanted to share a few key habits that will boost your smile’s future

  1. Keep Your Teeth & Gums Clean

One of the most vital healthy habits for your mouth is brushing your teeth properly twice a day and flossing at least once per day. Begin your routine by flossing to dislodge food particles and plaque from tight spaces between teeth and just below the gumline. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle motions to brush all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to angle the brush towards your gums and make sure you brush your tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months since old worn bristles are less effective at cleaning. 

  1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

It’s easy to avoid checkups when nothing seems wrong, but twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings are crucial preventive care. The dentist and hygienist will carefully check all surfaces of your teeth and entire mouth for early signs of decay, infection, gum disease, or oral cancer. They can spot issues you can’t see that could save you from extensive treatment later. A professional cleaning goes beyond what you can do at home to remove hardened tartar above and below the gumline, before it causes serious consequences on your smile.

  1. Limit Sugar for Better Oral Health

Sugar is one of the top enemies to your dental health. Sugary sweets and sodas feed the harmful bacteria in dental plaque. This can lead to things like cavities and other problems. While the occasional treat is fine, avoid incorporating sugary foods regularly, leaving them for main meals and rinse with water afterward. 

  1. Crunch on Tooth-Friendly Foods

Snacking on fruits and vegetables naturally cleans your teeth! Apples, pears, carrots, cucumbers, and other crisp fresh foods act as nature’s toothbrushes. They help scrub away plaque and surface stains as you chew, while also stimulating increased saliva production. Just be careful with hard items like nuts or popcorn kernels. If you have dental work, cut produce into smaller pieces first before crunching and chewing to avoid damage.

  1. Choose Fluoridated Toothpaste

Fluoride is helpful when it comes to strengthening weaker areas of tooth enamel and preventing cavities. Most standard toothpastes now contain fluoride, but check the label if you’re not sure. We can also use fluoride gels or varnishes to use on your teeth during your checkup. You can also incorporate a fluoride rinse into your routines.

You promote excellent dental health for years by embracing good oral care habits. If you don’t have your next checkup scheduled, Call Shook Dental Care today at 310-982-6333 to request an appointment in San Pedro, CA.