A healthy mouth both looks and feels terrific. With a fresh feeling, no pain or discomfort, and a clean bill of oral health, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.

To achieve your maximum #mouthgoals, it takes some effort, but every step is worth your while. You’ll be pleased with yourself for taking care of your oral hygiene needs, and your dentist will be impressed with your determination to maintain what’s so important for not only your oral health but the wellness of your entire body.

These 10 tips below are smart ways to care for your smile. There’s no quick fix or workaround when it comes to doing what’s best, so stick with it to see results.

1. Brushing And Flossing – Never Skip A Session

Brushing and flossing at least twice per day is important. Clean teeth and the removal of food particles and debris will make it less likely that bacteria will flourish. Once in the morning and once again at night is sufficient, but feel free to do an afternoon session after lunch too. Take your time and pay attention to what you’re doing. Going through the motions won’t cut it. Spend a few minutes doing a thorough job. Rinse your mouth afterward with water and you’re good to go.

2. Twice-Yearly Dental Checkups – We Look Forward To Seeing You

We advise every patient to see us two times per year for an overall checkup and cleaning. Even if you think everything is fine, you never know what may be brewing. Our experience and high-tech tools can uncover the very beginnings of cavity formation or infection. Plus, you’ll get a complete cleaning, X-rays, an oral cancer screening, and more. You owe it to yourself to be sure your oral hygiene is up to par, and if something is wrong, the earlier we can treat it the better. Being proactive is always a plus, so contact us ASAP to book your appointment.

3. Reduce Stains – Swap Out These Culprits

Certain foods and drinks are more likely to stain teeth than others. While you may enjoy them, the effects they have on your teeth may not be worth the indulgence. Some foods and drinks to avoid or limit include red wine, coffee, cola, tomato sauce, chocolate, soy sauce, dark berries, and tea. It’s also advisable to avoid or reduce your intake of highly acidic foods and drinks which can wear away at the tooth’s enamel. Anything in moderation usually works, and if you’re not sure what may be staining your teeth, talk to your dentist to get to the bottom of it.

4. A Straighter Smile – See The Results

Having that “Hollywood” smile is not only about looks alone. If your teeth are crowded, crooked, or your bite is off, it could cause problems that are more than aesthetically displeasing. Your teeth could shift, the spacing could develop, or your teeth could create other oral problems, say with your jaw or with chewing. Severely crowded teeth could make it hard to brush effectively, leading to food getting lodged between them. Speak to your dentist about literally straightening out this common problem. There are alternatives to traditional braces these days, such as Invisalign, making the fix less time-consuming as well as less obvious to others.

5. Dealing With Missing Teeth – Close The Gap

If you have any missing teeth, it’s an issue that can compromise your entire smile. The gap left behind may cause the surrounding teeth to shift inward, creating a domino effect that could reshape your entire bite…and not for the better. Not only is a missing tooth unflattering, but the damage potential is a big problem. Your dentist can fit you for a sturdy replacement option that will look and function just like a real tooth. If you have a loose tooth, come and see us before it comes out. We can help you handle this dental dilemma before it snowballs into something more serious.

6. Stay Hydrated – Drink Up

Staying well-hydrated is important for your entire body. Your systems need the water to function effectively. The same goes for your mouth. With a super dry mouth, particles are more likely to stick to your teeth, leading to potential decay and cavity formation. Sip throughout the day, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty. By then, dehydration has already set in. 

7. Get Over Grinding And Combat Clenching

You may not even realize that you clench your jaw or grind your teeth. This puts stress on your jaw and teeth, and can cause issues like TMJ or the wearing away of enamel. If you suspect you are doing either of these things, talk to your dentist. You may require a night guard to keep you from damaging your mouth and teeth. You don’t want to chip or crack a tooth before you seek a solution.

8. Don’t Chew On Anything That’s Not Food

Some folks have the bad habit of chewing on pen caps or using their teeth as “tools” to open things. This is a bad idea, as you can crack or chip a tooth doing so. Resist the urge to gnaw, and find a better solution to tackle tasks. It’s not worth the damage you are likely to deal with. Even biting your nails can cause harm, as a scratch to the gumline can welcome bacteria inside. 

9. Use Your Own Toothbrush – Sharing Isn’t Smart

Forgot your toothbrush while staying over at someone else’s place? If they don’t have a spare, don’t share. Either skip brushing this one time or swish some toothpaste and mouthwash around your mouth to freshen up. Sharing can introduce bacteria into your mouth, something far worse than missing one brushing session. 

10. Skip The Sugary Snacks

For those with a sweet tooth, giving up their favorite treats is a tough one. Cookies, cakes, candies, and chocolates are oh, so tempting, but they can eat away at your teeth…especially the sticky stuff and the simple sugars. Lay off the sugary snacks, and try some fresh fruit instead. It’s OK to give in every so often, just be sure to brush as best as you can.