Proper dental hygiene results in a pearly white smile, fresh breath and healthy gums. Regular preventive care that includes proper brushing and flossing techniques help stop dental problems such as bleeding gums and tooth decay. Apart from the frequent general dentist’s visits, there are some steps to a healthy smile:

1. Proper Brushing

When brushing, ensure both the gum line and tooth surface are in contact with the bristles. Also, clean the tongue surface and the roof of your mouth to avoid bad breath. Brush twice a day and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water or antibacterial mouthwash. This helps reduce the amount of food that serves as a substrate for bacteria. It is important to change your toothbrush every three months.

2. Flossing Daily

Flossing is essential in removing food particles that brushing cannot. Flossing penetrates between the teeth where even mouthwash cannot help clean.

3. Start Children Early

Dental care should begin immediately a child’s first tooth comes out—roughly at six months. The teeth can be rubbed with a clean, wet cloth. At the age of two, you can allow the kids to brush as you supervise.

4. Use Fluoride

Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel thereby reducing chances of tooth decay. You can get it from fluoridated water, toothpaste, or mouthwash. Remember to use Fluoride sparingly since too much of it results in white spots on the teeth.

5. Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco does not only stain your teeth but also leads to oral cancer and other periodontal complications. Again, when you smoke a cigarette, you may be forced to use other products such as chewing gums and candy to get rid of the odor. These hurt your teeth even more.

6. Avoid Sugar, Take Calcium

Beverages such as coffee, sodas and alcohol contain additives such as phosphorus and food dye and corn syrup. Phosphorus is healthy for the mouth, but too much of it depletes the body’s calcium. Food dye and corn syrup discolor pearly white teeth leaving you with a “stained” smile. To reduce visits to the general dentist’s office, you need to take milk and other dairy products to give you the necessary minerals such as calcium, and Vitamin D and B.

7. Visit Your Local Dentist Office

Visit your local dentist office at least twice a year. This is helpful as routine dental exams by your dental hygienist will help remove plaque build-up that you can’t otherwise brush or floss away.

Regular dental exams will help you spot early signs of oral cancer and gum diseases. Contact our dentist today to request an appointment.

Uptown Charlotte Dentistry & Orthodontics

Specializing in Invisalign, Composite Bonding, Veneers and Crowns.

We do our best to make it easy for you to get the beautiful smile you deserve! Our office accepts nearly all major insurance plans. Even though dental insurance is a private arrangement between you and your company, we will file your claim, handle all the paperwork, and help you get maximum insurance benefits.

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