With the number of dental treatments available, it’s easy to achieve a beautiful smile. However, the real challenge is maintaining it. Dental cleanings in Hopedale, IL, brushing and flossing, and being mindful of your lifestyle are just some ways to keep your smile attractive.
Achieving optimum oral health doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a lifelong commitment that involves consistency. So yes, you can create a perfect smile, but if you don’t establish an oral care routine that the American Dental Association approves, it will not last long.
The 5 Secrets to Preserving a Healthy and Beautiful Smile
#1 Make Healthy Food Choices
Healthy foods are good for your body, but did you know they’re also good for your teeth? Studies show that consuming fruits and vegetables and healthy natural fats stimulate saliva production, helps remove plaque, and keeps your teeth strong and healthy.
According to the University of Illinois Chicago, leafy greens like kale, lettuce, and spinach are rich in folic acid, calcium, and vitamins and minerals that make your teeth healthy. Fruits like pears and apples increase saliva production, which, in turn, helps clean your teeth naturally.
#2 Minimize Consumption of Dark-Colored Food and Drinks
Do not waste your money on professional teeth whitening by going back to drinking coffee, red wine, and tea.
Remember, your teeth are like sponges that contain thousands of tiny pores. So, whatever you put inside your mouth, expect they’ll absorb them. Minimize your consumption of anything that could potentially stain your teeth as much as possible.
But if you can’t give up your favorites, at least rinse your mouth with water after drinking them, or you could use a straw so that the dark liquid will bypass your teeth.
.jpg)
#3 Brush Daily
The American Dental Association reminds everyone to brush twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing is integral to good oral health as it helps remove plaque responsible for causing cavities and gum disease.
Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. After eating, the sugars from your meal and the bacteria in plaque will release acids that slowly destroy and erode your enamel.
Over time, the acids will cause your enamel to break down, leading to the formation of cavities. If plaque is not removed, it will turn into hardened tartar, which can also result in gum inflammation and infection.
#4 Floss Your Teeth
Sometimes digging out bacteria and food debris in the narrow crevices between your teeth is impossible if you only rely on your toothbrush.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), using interdental cleaners like dental floss is crucial in removing food debris, bacteria, and plaque in areas your toothbrush cannot access. If you skip flossing, plaque can accumulate between your teeth and along your gum line, increasing your susceptibility to tooth decay and gum disease.
#5 Regular Dental Visits
Why does the ADA recommend you visit your dentist once every six months? Regular dental visits are necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Even if you follow an oral care routine at home, you’ll still be at risk of oral health problems if you don't visit the dentist regularly. Through dental appointments, your dentist can check your teeth and gums for signs of problems and treat them while they are still manageable.
Are You Due for Dental Cleanings in Hopedale, IL?
If you brush and floss daily, be selective in your food choices, and show up during your dental appointments, you can maintain a beautiful smile for as long as possible. We offer affordable, preventive dental care services at Smalltown Dental, including dental cleanings and oral exams. Contact us today to book your appointment.
.jpg)
