Putting your best foot forward is important in today’s society. This is why it pays to have excellent oral health. First impressions go beyond how you carry yourself or how you dress. Fresh breathe plays an important role as well. That being said, here are 4 dental tips towards exemplary oral hygiene to maintain a stellar smile.
1. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is a nasty habit, as far as your teeth are concerned. The nicotine content found in tobacco stains teeth. While that may be removing with a few in-office whitening treatments, most smokers suffer from halitosis as well.
Halitosis, otherwise called bad breath is caused by gum decay caused by smoking and is harder to treat. Patients who smoke are advised to consider quitting this habit before it wreaks havoc on the teeth and gums. There are many smoking cessation products available in the market today. However, if going cold turkey is impossible, a patient might consider cutting down how much they smoke slowly, until they are able to go without smoking.
2. Brush At Least Twice Daily
A rotten tooth does not smell nice. Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, can cause halitosis as well. The best preventive method is to brush one’s teeth at least twice daily after meals. This is done to remove any food particles, as these are ideal breeding grounds for microorganisms responsible for tooth decay.
While a manual toothbrush works just fine, studies show that electric toothbrushes like SoniCare provide better debris removal. Please remember that proper brushing techniques have to be observed to reap the full benefits.
3. Flossing Is Important
Brushing alone cannot remove leftover food debris. Some particles may be lodged in the interproximal spaces, which are the areas between the teeth. It would be best to floss twice daily after brushing. However, if you must floss once daily, do so before bedtime.
4. Professional Oral Cleaning
Professional dental prophylaxis should be done at least twice a year. This process helps remove any calcular deposits that you might be unable to remove by brushing and flossing. These calcified food debris can lead to gum disease, gum recession and dental caries formation over time.
Dr. Lynn Monstwil, DDS believes in prevention over cure, especially when it comes to dental caries and gum disease. Her private practice is equipped with state of the art equipment and seasoned staff to cater to every type of dental concern. Keep your pearly whites in pristine condition with dental tips from an expert. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Monstwil today!