You can tell a lot about a person’s overall health from their teeth. Early signs of everything from heart disease to dietary issues can make themselves known in your mouth before anywhere else. That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to your oral health. Read on for tips to create and keep a healthier smile.
Quick Tips for a Healthy Smile
Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to mean root canals and fillings. There are a few easy things you can do to keep your teeth healthy:
- Stop smoking
- See a dentist regularly
- Brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily for gum health
- Avoid sugary treats, snacks, and drinks
Aim for six or fewer teaspoons of added sugar per day. Remember, it’s not just sugar that can stain or decay your teeth. While sugary snacks and drinks are often the culprits, you can’t protect against gum disease or gingivitis by simply avoiding them. All food leaves behind fuel for bacteria to grow — and that means brushing and flossing every time you eat or drink something that will leave those particles and sugar behind.
The reason tooth brushing is so important is that food particles feed bacteria that settle in your mouth, which creates acid that can eat away at your enamel, producing painful cavities as well as bad breath.
Clean Your Teeth
The first step toward a healthier smile is brushing twice a day for at least two minutes. Bad breath, red wine stains, coffee and tea stains, and other symptoms may clear up immediately with a good brushing — just remember to floss daily as well. This removes plaque and protects your tooth enamel, as well as gets into those hard-to-reach areas your toothbrush might miss. Your teeth won’t become whiter overnight, but paying close attention and keeping to a routine will help.
Look at Overall Health
Water keeps your body hydrated, and it’s gentle on teeth, so stay hydrated. In fact, some towns have fluoride in the tap water, making for an even healthier drink alternative. Health conditions like teeth grinding, high blood pressure, and diabetes affect your smile. Doctors suggest eating right, getting enough exercise, and attending to symptoms when you notice them by seeing a dentist or doctor.
Avoid Tooth Decay
The truth is that dental problems don’t clear up on their own. Cavities and other tooth issues tend to get worse when untreated. You could go from needing a simple filling to having a full root canal. By brushing every day, you avoid plaque buildup that eventually hardens into tartar. By focusing on one or two teeth at a time, you’re helping your gums stay healthy and removing as much plaque as possible.
Learn More About Achieving Your Brightest Smile
If you want to prevent tooth decay, it’s important to treat your teeth well. A healthier smile includes seeing a dental hygienist at least twice a year, optimally. You may even consider asking your dentist about cosmetic dentistry to straighten or whiten your teeth. Call Coast Family Dental at (07) 5437 9000 to schedule an appointment today.
