Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you when meeting for the first time. Everyone’s smile is unique and beautiful in its own way — but there are methods you can take to improve and maintain the appearance of your teeth and gums. Why not make your smile the best and brightest it can be?
To help keep you smiling day in and day out, the team at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry has put together a list of tips for the best way to have healthy teeth and gums.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
This isn’t going to come as a surprise to anyone, but it is incredibly important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy. At a minimum, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth in the morning when you wake up and in the evening before going to bed. However, it can be beneficial to brush after every meal if you’re able to do so.
The more frequently you brush, the less time food and plaque will remain trapped in between your teeth and gums which will minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth. For optimal results, use a soft-bristled toothbrush replaced every three to four months once the bristles begin to fray.
Use Toothpaste with Fluoride
Stepping into the toothpaste aisle can be extremely overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know which is the right choice. From whitening toothpaste to toothpaste for sensitive teeth, there’s something for everyone.
However, it is important that whatever toothpaste you choose contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of approval on the packaging. No matter what flavor toothpaste you opt for, making sure your toothpaste checks these two factors will ensure your teeth and gums are getting the most effective clean.
Don’t Skip the Floss
We’ve all sat in the dentist’s chair and lied to the question, “how often do you floss?” We get it. It’s an easy step in your oral hygiene routine to skip — but it shouldn’t be! Flossing is one of the best ways to remove the food and plaque that has become trapped between your teeth and gums.
If this buildup isn’t properly removed, it can become tartar and eventually lead to problems like gum disease. To reduce the risk of gum disease, floss at least once a day in the morning or evening.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Certain foods are more likely to cause dental health problems because of the way they stick to your teeth. Consuming sugary foods and beverages puts you at a greater risk of developing cavities due to increased acidity in your mouth. A diet high in sugar creates a breeding ground for bacteria, and if it isn’t removed properly through thorough brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and tooth enamel decay. Reducing your sugar intake will help cut back on the amount of bacteria buildup in your mouth.
Call Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Preventative Dental Care
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you should be visiting the dentist once every six months. During the preventative dental cleaning, the team at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can find small problems before they turn into major health concerns such as gum disease and tooth loss. Instead of letting any oral hygiene issues fester, our top-rated preventative dental care helps you maintain a beautiful, clean smile.
Here at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we specialize in providing preventive dental care for your entire family. If you or your loved ones are experiencing dental issues, schedule an appointment with the leading cosmetic dentist in Billings, MT.
