Best Practices For A Healthy Smile

Good dental health is essential for a bright, beautiful smile. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. People with healthy teeth are also perceived as more friendly, intelligent, and approachable. Here are a few habits that help maintain a great smile.

• Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth Regularly

Food particles and bacteria can get stuck between teeth, leading to plaque buildup and tooth decay. By brushing and flossing each day, you can help prevent this from occurring. Flossing can keep your smile healthy and bright! While you should brush twice a day, brushing after every meal is ideal. If you eat something that is particularly acidic or sugary, you can rinse your mouth with water to wash away harmful particles and bacteria. You should also floss at least once per day to remove plaque and food from between your teeth.

After you brush and floss, you may want to use an antibacterial mouthwash to kill any remaining bacteria and freshen your breath. An antiseptic mouthwash can also help to prevent gingivitis and other gum diseases. Keep in mind that most mouthwashes shouldn’t be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing. Instead, they’re meant to be used in conjunction with proper hygiene habits. If you’re using an over-the-counter mouthwash, look for a product that contains fluoride. This will strengthen and rebuild your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

• Regular Dental Checkups

Your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health, so it is important to keep up with regular dental checkups every six months. During your exam, we will clean your teeth and examine them for signs of decay and disease. We will also provide you with tips for maintaining your oral health between visits as well. When patients do not attend regular checkups, they may be compromising their dental health in a number of ways. For example, if a tooth is suffering from gum disease and the patient does not seek treatment, the gum line may begin to recede and eventually cause the tooth to become loose. Routine checkups allow the dentist to detect early signs of decay or gum disease so that they can be treated promptly before they become severe problems that are more difficult to treat. Additionally, routine visits also give your dentist the opportunity to detect other diseases that may be present within the mouth, such as oral cancer.

In addition to cleanings and exams, we also offer many other restorative treatments to keep your smile healthy and functional for years to come. We can provide fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent decay, teeth replacement with dental implants, and more. We can also treat bruxism, or teeth grinding, which can wear down teeth over time and even cause TMJ disorder in some cases.

• Avoiding Smoking Or Using Tobacco Products. 

Smoking is a leading cause of oral cancer and gum disease that affects the health and appearance of your smile. It also increases your risk of other serious health issues such as heart disease and cancer.

To learn more, visit Dental Health PC at 869 NW 23rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97330. Call us at (541) 757 1829 to book an appointment. We will be happy to help you further.