Best Practices For A Healthy Smile

Good oral hygiene is an essential habit to maintain healthy teeth and gums and teeth. Without it, you put yourself at risk of cavities and gum disease. According to the dentist in Modesto, CA, here are the best practices for a healthy smile.

• Brushing and flossing regularly

When you brush your teeth, you’re removing food particles and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. If not removed, these particles can cause tooth decay when allowed to sit on the surfaces of your teeth and gums for too long. Regular brushing and flossing remove the food particles and bacteria from the teeth and keeps the teeth both white and healthy-looking.

Flossing should be done at least once a day at night before bed. This helps remove any hidden food particles from the spaces between the teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach. This is especially important because cavity-causing bacteria love to hide in the crevices between teeth and feed on the sugars that are left behind after eating. By removing the leftover debris from between the teeth, you decrease the chances of these unwanted microorganisms finding a home and causing decay. If you find it hard to reach certain parts of your mouth, interdental brushes or disposable dental sticks might help you more effectively clean the difficult-to-access areas. Be sure to use these alongside a soft brush.

• Regular professional cleanings by thedentist in Modesto, CA

Professional dental cleaning by the dentist in Modesto, CA, is the best way to keep your smile happy and healthy. Your dentist will remove built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth, leaving you with a fresh, clean feeling in your mouth. The Modesto, CA, dentist may also give you advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques so you can keep your teeth healthy between visits. You may also be advised by the Modesto, CA, dentist to use a fluoride rinse or toothpaste to help strengthen the enamel on your teeth and prevent decay.

By having regular cleanings and exams by the Modesto, CA dentist, you can prevent issues down the line that may require more extensive treatments. Dental cleanings are the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your smile looking its best!

• Avoiding sticky and hard foods

Avoiding certain foods and drinks is also important to keep your teeth in good shape. Avoid sticky, chewy foods and snacks that can get stuck in between your teeth. Hard foods like nuts, popcorn kernels, and ice should also be avoided, as they can break or damage your appliances. Sugary drinks can also stain your teeth and cause tooth decay. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydrating your mouth. Water will also help wash away food particles and residue, leaving your teeth clean. Not sure what foods are safe to eat? Ask your Modesto, CA, dentist for a list of approved snack choices during your appointment!

• Avoiding tobacco use

There are many areas of your health that are affected by smoking, but the most obvious is the effect it has on your smile. Smoking cigarettes will stain your teeth and negatively affect the health of your gums. The nicotine in cigarettes can also increase your risk of periodontitis, which is an advanced stage of gum disease that can cause tooth loss. Additionally, tobacco can slow healing after oral procedures like extractions and implant placement. In addition to causing many of the same oral health issues as regular cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products also increase the risk of oral cancers. So, in addition to being bad for your teeth and gums, these products are dangerous to your overall health as well. If you struggle with quitting smoking, we offer several resources to help you on your way. Our hygienists can provide advice to help you kick the habit for good. We can also refer you to further resources that can improve your chances of success.

Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! We would be happy to answer any of your questions about dentistry procedures in Modesto, CA. You can book an appointment with our dentist in Turlock, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 668-3736 or our dentist in Modesto, CA, at the dental office by calling (209) 409-8839.