Some things are truly as simple as A-B-C. And when it comes to good oral health, we made it extra simple! Check out our ABCs of good oral health to keep your smile shining bright.
Always Eat Healthily
Eating a well-balanced diet that boosts your intake of tooth-friendly nutrients, such as calcium, is a great way to keep your teeth strong. With these healthy eating and drinking tips, you can reduce your risk of enamel erosion and cavities, and keep your smile looking healthier, longer.
Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Foods with fiber help keep your teeth and gums clean. They also get saliva flowing. About 20 minutes after you eat something that has sugars or starches, your saliva begins to reduce the effects of the acids and enzymes attacking your teeth. Saliva contains traces of calcium and phosphate, so it can restore minerals to areas of teeth that have lost them from bacterial acids.
Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products. Cheese is another saliva maker. The calcium and phosphates in milk, cheese, and other dairy products, help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods. They also help rebuild tooth enamel.
Foods with fluoride. Fluoridated drinking water, or any product you make with fluoridated water, helps your teeth. This includes powdered juices (as long as they don’t contain a lot of sugar), and dehydrated soups. Commercially prepared foods, such as poultry products, seafood, and powdered cereals, also can contain fluoride.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Regular brushing and flossing are vital to oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice daily and floss each day. While we know of some patients who floss after each meal just to ensure there’s no food stuck in their teeth, flossing just once each day will work wonders for your oral hygiene.
Flossing every day will dislodge pesky food particles and will help prevent plaque buildup in places your toothbrush can’t reach. That’s why we recommend that you floss thoroughly, for about 1-2 minutes each day.
Checkups every 6 months
Dentists not only solve problems, but we can also prevent them. Potential problems we can spot during a regular checkup include the onset of gum disease and dental decay. When it comes to your oral health, you must be proactive and see a dentist regularly. This way we can catch any issues early, before they become a problem.
Make Sure You Know Your ABCs of Good Oral Health!
The ABCs of good oral health is an easy, 3-step framework to guide you to dental health. Two of these steps are up to you alone – things like eating well and brushing and flossing regularly. But the last step requires an assist from the team at 19th Avenue Dental Care. So book an appointment to come see us and we’ll make sure you and your smile are in great shape!