One of the easiest ways to keep your smile healthy is to keep up regular checkups at your Payette, ID dentist. But are there other things you can do to make sure your mouth stays healthy? Dr. Brock W. Hyder of Payette Dental offers tips for you to have a healthier smile.
1. Watch What You Eat
Your diet has a huge impact on your oral health. For instance, if you eat foods that contain a lot of sugar, you’re going to have issues with tooth decay. Bacteria feed off of sugar, producing acid that eats away at the enamel of your teeth. Sticky candies also get stuck in between the teeth, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. Foods high in starch should be avoided as well, as they break down into sugars.
Another thing to limit in your diet is acidic foods and drinks. Sodas are particularly high in acid, eating away at the enamel on your teeth. Eating too many citrus fruits can have an impact on your teeth as well.
2. Drink Lots of Water
Things like fruit juices, sodas, and sports drinks contain a ton of sugars and acids. These are all harmful to your teeth, especially if you’re drinking them for long periods of time. Water, on the other hand, helps saliva production and can wash away harmful particles of food and bacteria in your mouth.
If you’re drinking tap water, you also are probably getting extra benefits from water. Across the country, most tap water contains fluoride. Fluoride helps protect your teeth and build up the enamel, protecting them more from tooth decay and other issues.
3. Quit Smoking
For starters, tobacco can cause extreme staining to your teeth. It not only stains the surface, but it can also stain the deeper layer called dentin as well. Smoking also contributes to gum disease and receding gumlines, leading to the sight of longer teeth and pockets of bacteria. Tobacco is also known as a large cause of oral cancer.
4. Keep a Quality Toothbrush
If you’re willing to spend the money, a high-quality electric toothbrush is the best option for your teeth. They’re able to clean better than a typical manual toothbrush. However, if you’re going for a manual toothbrush, opt for soft bristles. This can gently clean your teeth and gums, instead of irritating them like medium and hard bristles can do.
In addition, make sure you’re replacing your toothbrush or toothbrush head at least every three months. This ensures that your toothbrush is still cleaning the way it’s supposed to. You also don’t want bacteria to build up on your toothbrush. When you rinse the brush after brushing, make sure you do it with hot water to get rid of as much bacteria as possible.
5. Check for Oral Cancer
During your regular dental cleanings and exams, make sure you ask about an oral cancer screening. Your dentist may already do checks anyway, but it’s always good to make sure. They’re able to notice early signs and symptoms that you probably wouldn’t recognize as being something to worry about.
Seeing Your Dentist in Payette, Idaho
If you combine your regular dental checkups with these helpful tips, your smile should be healthy and sparkling. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to make sure your oral health is on track.