Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

Three Steps to a Healthier Smile

Everyone wants their smile to last, but sometimes we fall into bad habits and risk permanent damage to our teeth. Following some simple rules and avoiding bad habits can help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful for a lifetime.

One – Diligent At-Home Care

Don’t: Skip a brushing or flossing – The plaque on teeth can turn to tartar in as little as 24 hours. Leaving plaque on teeth also allows bacteria to spread, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Slacking on your home oral hygiene routine also leads to the discoloration of teeth and bad breath.

Do: Brush in the morning and before bedtime, and floss daily. Add an extra brushing after consuming foods high in sugar or carbohydrates. To prevent a missed brushing or flossing when away from home, keep a toothbrush in your car and at school or place of work.

Two – Visit a Professional

Don’t: Forget to see your dentist twice per year – Regular dental visits are essential to maintaining a healthy smile. It is at these appointments that your dentist can find early signs of decay and treat emerging issues.  Your teeth need professional cleaning at least once per year to remove the stubborn tartar that harbors harmful bacteria. Missed dental visits invariably lead to dental emergencies or complex problems that may require more invasive procedures to correct.

Do: Set reminders every six months to schedule your dental appointmentHelp yourself remember to make your oral health a priority by creating reminders that activate twice a year. Communicate with your dentist and let him know about any concerns you have, even if they seem minor to you. If you have crowded teeth, your dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment. This is always a good idea, as a straighter smile is a healthier one.

Three – Protect Your Smile

Don’t: Participate in sports without wearing a mouthguard. – Injuries to the teeth are common and can usually be avoided by protecting them with a professionally made mouthguard. Make sure to store your mouthguard in a bacteria-free environment.

Do: Talk to your dentist about a custom mouthguard made if you are very active. Store-bought guards may offer some protection but are not as effective as those provided by your dentist after obtaining an impression of your teeth.

While some oral health issues are hard to avoid (like the consequences of certain illnesses, trauma, and medications), abiding by these three basic rules are your best bet for keeping your smile healthy and avoiding high dental costs.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine

Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.

How Periodontal Disease Affects the Body

Gum disease can have far-reaching effects on your oral health and appearance. However, many individuals develop the condition without knowing it and the initial warning signs such as gum-tissue inflammation and occasional bleeding are ignored ...

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Causes and Treatments

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is in use more than any other joint in the whole body, which makes it an easy target for health issues. When these problems cause chronic pain and affect the overall function of the jaw ...

What You Need to Know About Protecting Your Kid’s Teeth

Prevention and early treatment are the best ways to help your children achieve and maintain optimal oral health. It is much easier to prevent an issue than treat one, which is why it is essential to monitor them as soon as their first tooth appears ...

Should You Replace Your Amalgam Fillings?

Metal was once the most commonly used dental material used to fill cavities and repair damage. However, amalgam fillings are less popular than they used to be for a variety of reasons ...