8 Oral Health Habits for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
At Cream City Dental, we believe in prevention as the first line of defense against dental disease. We are pleased to offer personalized preventative dentistry services to help you keep your smile healthy, beautiful, and functional. Dr. Ibrahem and his team have put together a simple guide outlining healthy habits that can help lower the risk of dental disease. The following is a look at ways you can safeguard your smile.
1. Brush at Least Twice a Day and Floss Daily
Consistent at-home care is the foundation of a healthy smile. Make sure you brush at least twice daily (every morning and night) using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for two minutes in a gentle, circular motion to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth and gum line. It’s also important to floss daily to clean those hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and under the gum line. Regular brushing and flossing can significantly lower the risk of oral health problems, including cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
2. Don’t Forget About Your Tongue
Did you know that your tongue can harbor harmful, odor-causing bacteria? After brushing your teeth, make sure you carefully clean your tongue using a toothbrush or tongue scraper. Brushing your tongue regularly will leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
3. Use Mouthwash
Adding mouthwash to your regular oral hygiene routine can provide an extra layer of protection for your teeth and gums. Rinsing daily helps to eliminate harmful bacteria and freshen breath, complementing your brushing and flossing routine. Our team is happy to recommend the ideal mouthwash option for your unique needs.
4. Consume a Smile-Healthy Diet
A healthy, balanced diet can provide your gums and teeth with the essential nutrients needed to stay healthy. Sugary or starchy treats, on the other hand, provide a plentiful food supply for cavity-causing bacteria to feast on and produce acids, which can erode your tooth enamel and lead to decay. Instead, opt for a healthy snack, such as crunchy fruits, fresh vegetables, cheese, or nuts.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water offers numerous benefits for your oral and overall health. Water can help wash away food particles and debris, neutralize the acids in your mouth, and promote saliva production, lowering your risk of dry mouth, bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
6. Don’t Bite or Chew on Hard Objects
Avoid biting down on ice, hard candy, or pens, or using your teeth for tasks better suited for tools. These harmful habits place excessive stress on your teeth, leading to tooth enamel wear, chipping, or even fracture. Biting down on hard candy is one of the leading causes of chipped, broken, or fractured teeth requiring emergency dental care.
7. Protect Your Smile with a Night Guard or Sports Mouthguard
If you constantly grind or clench your teeth in your sleep, a custom night guard can protect your teeth from the damaging forces that can lead to uneven tooth wear, fracture, morning headaches, and TMJ pain. Additionally, if you participate in high-impact or contact sports, we recommend wearing a custom sports mouthguard to safeguard your smile and reduce your risk of sports-related dental injuries.
8. Keep Up with Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings
Make sure to keep up with your regular preventative visits. Your twice-yearly dental exams allow Dr. Ibrahem and his team to identify any dental health concerns in their earliest stages, preventing them from progressing and becoming serious problems down the road. Professional dental cleanings, on the other hand, help remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, helping lower your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, and bad breath.
Preventative Dental Care Near Me in Wauwatosa, WI
Contact Cream City Dental, to learn more about maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile. Dr. Ibrahem and his experienced team are always happy to offer personalized tips and guidance to lower your risk of dental disease. Remember—if you haven’t seen a dentist in the past six months, scheduling a visit for routine preventative care will ensure your smile stays healthy and sound. We invite you to call 414-476-4777 to schedule your appointment or request one online today.