If you care about your smile, then you may be quite curious what you can do to help keep it looking beautiful, year after year. You may also want to know more about how you can help protect it from common oral health problems like cavities, and even gum disease. Fortunately, smile care does not have to be complicated, time-consuming, or expensive. In fact, regular preventive dental care is the best way to avoid extensive or expensive dental treatments.
You Can Make Healthy Choices at Home
There are a few simple steps you can take, at-home, to help care for your smile. First, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing daily, to help prevent plaque buildup, which is responsible for most cavity development and gum disease. Combined, these steps take only a few minutes, but they provide excellent protection against common oral health threats.
If you are unsure how to properly floss your teeth, ask your dentist to demonstrate proper technique during your next dental visit.
By eating a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water, you can also help maintain your oral health. Nutrient-rich foods, like fresh vegetables and fruits, provide much-needed vitamins and minerals for maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums. Equally important, however, is avoiding foods that are high in added sugars, as these can exacerbate plaque production.
Routine Dental Visits Are Still Essential
Of course, it is still important to visit the dentist regularly for dental checkups and cleanings. These appointments help to rid the teeth of any existing plaque buildup, and also to catch any developing issues, before they have a chance to worsen.