Regular Brushing & Flossing
Brushing twice a day to prevent acid buildup which can happen from the breakdown of food by bacteria. Flossing is a chore that many people don’t want to spend the time doing, however it is very important to your oral health. Flossing reaches areas between the teeth that the bristles from your toothbrush can’t reach and that even mouthwash can’t get to.
Eliminate Tobacco
Staying away from tobacco will proactively help you avoid oral cancer and periodontal problems. They lead to gradual gum and bone loss. This results in eventual tooth loss and a compromised oral health state. Generally smokers will use gum, candies or other methods to help eliminate the smell of tobacco from their breath this doubles the problems that smoking alone causes for your oral health. Please visit SmileCrafters or call 905.648.0550 to discuss your smoking cessation options.
Limit your Pop, Alcohol and Coffee Intake
Most of these drinks do contain high levels of phosphorous which is a mineral necessary for a healthy mouth, however too much is not a good thing and can reduce the amount of calcium in your body. This will cause problems like tooth decay and gum disease and the corn syrup and other additives can make your bright white teeth appear dull and discoloured.
Use Mouthwash
Although mouthwash isn’t exactly necessary some of them are quite beneficial to use. They help to kill and maintain the bacteria in your mouth it will help to keep your teeth strong and there is the added bonus of extra fresh breath. Mouthwash cannot replace the effects of brushing and flossing but it can increase your overall oral hygiene.
Supplement with Calcium and Vitamin D
Lots of calcium is needed for your teeth and your bones. Drinking milk and eating broccoli, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products is very beneficial as calcium and vitamin D are needed for healthy teeth and healthy gums. Vitamin B is good to prevent bleeding and cracking of gums and teeth. Potassium, iron, zinc, iodine and copper are also required for proper oral hygiene.
Dental Visits
Be sure to visit SmileCrafters Dental® routinely but also make sure you make appointments if you have any problems with toothaches or pain in your mouth or jaw. It is important to get your dentist to look at these problems and figure out the cause as toot problems can lead to bigger issues like diabetes, systemic infections, the inability to speak or eat, heart disease and even some other life threatening difficulties.