As a new year begins, it’s time to think about your smile. Why not work toward a strong and healthy smile during 2017? If you desire a high level of oral health and a beautiful smile, our New Hampshire Center for Comprehensive Dentistry dental team offers you the following tips:
Brush effectively each day
In order to clean your mouth most effectively, brush two times a day (two minutes each time) with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Thoroughly brush each tooth surface with a circular motion and be gentle as you brush along the gum line. Doing these things will help you remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums.
Floss daily
Flossing made the headlines last year but we’re here to tell you that flossing does matter and it makes a difference in the health of your teeth, gums and jaw bones. Flossing gets to places your toothbrush can’t and removes sticky biofilm that’s filled with bacteria ready to cause decay and gum disease. Wrap the floss around your fingers and use a “C” shape to gently floss between each tooth. Once you get the hang of it, it only takes a minute. And it’s time well spent and a benefit for your health.
Chew sugarless gum
If you can’t brush and floss after meals, chewing sugarless gum will help you clean your smile. Chewing will help you produce saliva which is beneficial in washing away food particles and helps to neutralize the acids in your mouth after eating. Both of which will help prevent tooth decay. But be sure it’s sugar-free!
Have a healthy diet
Healthy diets help your smile as well as your entire body. Black tea and green tea help reduce plaque and slow the growth of bacteria in your mouth. Crunchy foods like apples, carrots and celery also help remove plaque. Foods high in calcium (cheese, almonds, dark leafy greens) and phosphorous (eggs, meat, fish) help keep the enamel on your teeth strong. Stay away from sticky, sugary foods – they’re generally not good for teeth or for your overall health.
Visit your dentist regularly
Schedule a visit with your dentist at least every six months for a professional dental cleaning and exam. Your hygienist can remove more plaque and any tarter build up much more effectively that you can at home. And she’ll point out any places you might be missing so even your care at home will improve. The dentist exam will help find problems or potential problems before they become big ones. Smaller problems are corrected more easily, with less time and cost than if you waited. All good things to help your smile and body stay healthier in the new year!
For more information, tips, and details about how to achieve a healthy smile in Amherst, New Hampshire, please call our office at 603-672-6546 and talk to a member of our dental team. We look forward to helping you achieve your healthy smile goals this year!