Your teeth are a body part that can cause you a tremendous amount of pain if cared for improperly. But, fortunately, there are some simple and easy ways to stay on top of your oral health, so your teeth continue to treat you well.
Keep Them Clean
It may seem obvious, but clean teeth and gums are excellent defenses against many common dental ailments, including gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay, and bad breath, to name just a few. Some tasks should be part of your daily routine to keep a happy mouth.
Brush and Floss
Brushing your teeth is perhaps the best thing you can do at home to help your teeth. You should brush at least twice a day, gently and efficiently. If you brush too much or too roughly, you can wear the enamel off your teeth. Enamel is what protects your teeth’s dentin, or the structure that contains pathways to your nerve endings, so losing too much enamel equals pain.
Similarly, flossing should be done daily to remove plaque and leftover food, helping you avoid gingivitis.
Watch Your Diet
Following a healthy diet while being mindful of your teeth involves watching what you eat and adding a few more beneficial habits. Minimize your indulgences in acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits that can wear away your teeth’s enamel. Similarly, too much sugar causes cavities.
To protect your teeth, consume the recommended amount of calcium daily, between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams. This helps protect against gum disease, while drinking plenty of water helps flush out food particles left between your teeth after eating.
Keep Them White
Brushing, flossing, and watching what you eat helps your teeth stay clean, but what do you do if they still show staining or yellowing? There are a few essential tips to keep your pearly whites shining bright.
Toothpaste
A white smile has the benefit of making your smile look healthier and even younger. Incorporating a whitening toothpaste into your daily routine can remove surface stains and discoloration while consequently brightening your teeth. However, it is important to be realistic with your expectations and remember that whitening toothpaste does not change the enamel color itself. For deeper stains, professional whitening is recommended.
Minimize Stains
Of course, the best way to keep your teeth white is not allowing them to stain at all. You can help by minimizing staining foods and beverages when you can. These include tea, tomato sauces, coffee, soda, beets, and wine. If you must eat or drink these, brushing your teeth immediately after rather than letting the remnants sit on your teeth for an extended period helps fight off staining.
Keep Them Healthy With Park Avenue Dental
More than the tips outlined above, the number one way to keep your teeth as healthy as possible is to schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings with your Park Avenue Dental team. We can identify minor issues before they become bigger and more expensive while offering preventative and restorative dentistry services that help you achieve the goals you dream of for your teeth. Contact us today, and get your smile back!
