Best Practices For A Healthy Smile

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. It helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. It also prevents bad breath, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Here are a few practices to maintain good oral health. 

• Brush and floss every day

Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once before bed. Bacteria accumulate on teeth throughout the day. They feed on leftover food particles left behind after eating. By brushing twice daily, you can help remove these harmful plaque bacteria from your mouth and prevent tooth decay and cavities. You can further prevent tooth decay by flossing daily, as it helps remove plaque and food particles from areas that can't be reached with a toothbrush. If you have trouble reaching between teeth, talk to your dentist about mouthwashes that can fight bad breath and prevent cavities.

• Eat a healthy diet

Don't snack on sugary foods throughout the day. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, which produces acids that can harm your tooth enamel and cause decay. If you must snack, choose healthy foods like veggies, cheese, and nuts to keep your smile healthy. Drinking plenty of water can also help wash away food particles and keep bacteria at bay.

• Quit smoking

Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer and is linked to many other health problems, including gum disease, tooth loss, and heart disease. While quitting is difficult, treatments are available to help you quit for good. Ask your dental care provider for recommendations on how to quit smoking. You should also ask your dentist about options for treating tobacco-related damage like periodontal disease or bad breath. These treatments can help you look and feel better after you've stopped using tobacco products.

• Schedule regular dental visits

Practicing excellent oral hygiene will help you maintain a healthy smile, but you should also schedule regular professional cleanings at our office. Even the best oral hygiene routine can't always prevent tooth decay, which is why it's more important than ever to stay on top of your biannual checkups and cleanings. These appointments allow your dentist to thoroughly clean your teeth by removing plaque buildup from areas your toothbrush or floss may have missed. We will also polish your teeth to give you a clean, bright smile. Additionally, our hygienists can recommend at-home care products you can use to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy between visits.

Your dentist will also be able to identify and treat any developing problems while they are still small and easy to correct. One small cavity can grow into a big problem if left untreated for too long, so it's important to know the facts.

Wish to learn more tips for maintaining good oral hygiene? Schedule an appointment with us at Silver Summit Dental by calling us at (801) 542-0998 or visiting our office at 5734 13400 S, Herriman, UT, 84096.