A healthy, beautiful smile requires regular maintenance. But by focusing on a few essential habits, cultivating a lovely smile will become second nature. As our own Dr. Wegner regularly notes, your teeth are part of the oral system, which has a significant effect on the other systems that comprise your body. The following tips focus on dental care and other aspects of good health, like nutrition and hydration.
Call us at (708)383-0330 today to schedule an appointment with a great dentist in Oak Park, IL, and read on to discover our recommendations for a healthy smile. The following tips can help you maintain seriously stellar teeth.
1. Brush Teeth Twice Daily
We’ll start with the most obvious tip. Brushing your teeth twice a day is vital to maintaining a healthy smile. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing teeth twice daily for two minutes at a time using toothpaste that contains fluoride. This habit has been shown to reduce plaque buildup on teeth, while the addition of fluoride helps prevent cavities. According to the ADA, choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush and using short, gentle strokes to clean the teeth and gums are essential.
2. Floss and Use Mouthwash Daily
Regular dental care isn’t just about brushing. It’s also important to floss daily. As the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains, “flossing cleans between the teeth where brushing can’t reach.” By using floss, you can prevent dental plaque from forming and calcifying around the teeth. Including mouthwash in your daily routine can take your dental care to the next level. Like flossing, mouthwash helps clean areas where your toothbrush can’t reach. Additionally, as the ADA points out, rinsing with mouthwash can help control plaque, gingivitis (gum disease), and tooth decay.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
As we have discussed previously, a healthy diet, including plenty of water, is key to a healthy smile. We recommend avoiding or reducing your intake of foods and beverages that are sugary or acidic, since they can break down enamel and lead to tooth decay. For what to eat instead, check out this post on oral-systemic health, where our Oak Park, IL, dentist offers even more tips on tending to the connection between your smile and your overall well-being.
4. Avoid Harmful Habits
For a truly healthy and great-looking smile, always steer clear of smoking and tobacco use. The ADA names smoking as a leading cause of preventable illness in the United States. The negative impacts of tobacco on oral health include tooth staining, gingival recession, and even oral cancer. While it can be challenging to quit using tobacco and other harmful substances, the benefits of cessation are significant.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
While the previous tips are essential for a radiant smile, no habit can replace the need for professional dental cleanings. We strongly recommend visiting your Oak Park, IL, dentist at least twice yearly for checkups and cleanings. A biannual cleaning is not just a suggestion, it’s a necessity that ensures optimal dental cleanliness and allows the dentist to monitor your oral health, preventing potential issues from escalating.
Schedule your next appointment with Town & Country Dental by visiting this page or calling (708)383-0330. By adopting these daily habits, you’re not just maintaining your oral health, but also ensuring your healthiest, most radiant smile. We look forward to helping you on this journey.