Best Practices For A Healthy Smile

Poor oral health is unfortunately very common in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 91.2% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had dental cavities. As you might imagine, this can lead to a lot of discomfort for patients. You can improve your smile by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. However, maintaining good oral health is about so much more. Read on to learn a few tips to maintain good oral health:

• Brushing and flossing regularly

Brushing and flossing regularly are the best ways to combat tooth decay. Brushing eliminates plaque, a sticky film that accumulates on the teeth. Plaque can irritate the gum tissue, leading to gingivitis and infection. It can also damage the teeth and lead to decay.

Flossing cleans the spaces in between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. This helps remove the plaque from between the teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

• Regular check-ups

When was your last dental check-up? If it’s been a while, it’s time to schedule your next appointment. Some patients believe that only children need regular dental exams, but this isn’t true. The American Dental Association recommends adults and children see the dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam.

• Dental sealants

Dental sealants are protective coatings placed on back teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Sealants are clear or white in color and can help prevent decay on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

• Avoiding sugary foods and drinks

Hard candies, gummy candies, sugary drinks, and acidic drinks are all harmful to your teeth. If you must consume sugar or acid, do so in moderation and drink water directly afterward. Water will help to neutralize the acids on your teeth and help prevent decay. Also, try to eat sugary or acidic foods with meals, rather than as a snack. This will minimize the amount of time your teeth are exposed to these harmful foods.

• Quitting smoking

Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products can stain your teeth. They can also irritate your gums. Smoking and other tobacco products can also cause oral cancer and mouth cancer. That’s exactly why you should consider quitting smoking. Smoking also increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. That’s because smoking weakens your immune system. If you’re a smoker, consider talking to your dentist about quitting. They can suggest alternative therapies.

• Avoiding teeth grinding

Teeth grinding is a habit that can be caused by stress, misalignment, and an abnormal bite. Teeth grinding can also happen when you sleep, which can be a serious problem if it impacts the quality of your sleep. The symptoms of teeth grinding include worn, chipped, and broken teeth. You may also experience headaches, jaw pain, and earaches. If your teeth grinding is severe, ask your dentist about a night guard. 

To find out more about the dental services offered at One and Truly Dental, call (516)-759-0086 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 70 Glen St, #240 Glen Cove, NY, 11542.