Good oral health can help you prevent many dental problems and practicing good oral hygiene is the foundation of a healthy smile. Here are the best practices that can help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile:
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Regularly
Regularly brushing your teeth removes plaque buildup from food particles. Plaque is a sticky substance that feeds on sugar and produces acids that slowly erode tooth enamel. Every time you brush your teeth, you remove some of the plaque that is clinging to your teeth.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums and thoroughly clean your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles start to fray and break. Also, it is important to floss at least once daily. Flossing helps to remove the plaque that is hiding between teeth and along the gum line.
Use Mouthwash
It is also helpful to use an antibacterial mouth rinse to kill germs and freshen your breath. Mouthwash also helps decrease the acids in your mouth and your risk of cavities. Talk to our dentist about the best type of mouthwash you can use at home.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet is key to promoting good oral health as well. Avoid foods and beverages that are high in sugar and acid, as they contribute to the staining of the teeth as well as increase oral bacteria growth. Instead, replace these foods with healthier options like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, or dairy products like yogurt and cheese.
In addition to watching what you eat, make sure that you also drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps to wash away food debris while also helping keep saliva production at a healthy level. Maintaining proper hydration also helps to increase the flow of oxygenated blood through the mouth, which helps keep tooth enamel healthy and strong.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist twice a year for preventive care. Checkups keep your smile healthy and catch any emerging problems immediately so that they don’t have the chance to develop into bigger issues later on. For instance, if a cavity were to develop, our dentist would catch it during a checkup before tooth decay progresses.
During your checkup appointment, our dentist will clean your teeth and assess your gums to check for any signs of gum disease or oral cancer. Digital X-rays are also taken periodically to help detect problems, such as cavities between teeth that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
To learn more about our dental procedures, call us at (909) 823-7567 and schedule an appointment with our dentist in Fontana, CA.
8275 Sierra Ave STE 102, Fontana, CA 92335
