Best Practices For A Healthy Smile

A beautiful smile not only adds to your appearance but also boosts your self-confidence. There are several factors that can affect our oral health. Here are a few tips from our dentists that will help keep your teeth healthy and white.

• Brush and floss your teeth 

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day – once in the morning and again at night before you go to bed. We recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth at least twice a day.

Additionally, you should floss once a day to help remove any food particles and plaque from between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing is one of the most important habits that patients should develop to maintain optimal oral health and beautiful teeth. It only takes a minute or two, but flossing has a big impact on your oral hygiene and smile! It helps remove plaque from between your teeth and along your gum line. This helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease and protects your smile for years to come. 

• Eat a balanced diet

In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, you should eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to promote good oral health. Eating certain foods can help fight cavities and gum disease and promote healthy teeth. Try to incorporate these superfoods into your diet for a healthy smile!

• Yogurt: Dairy products provide calcium that aids in building strong, healthy bones and teeth. They also contain vitamin D, which assists in the absorption of the minerals that strengthen teeth and bones.
• Cheese: Though cheese is high in fat, eating a few servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy each day will provide you with enough calcium to strengthen your bones and help keep your enamel strong and healthy.
• Leafy Green Vegetables: Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, and broccoli are filled with calcium and magnesium, which are both great for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.
• Carrots: Crunching on carrots is known as a great way to keep your mouth clean in between meals. Carrots are high in vitamin A, which is great for your gums because it promotes healthy and firm gum tissues that prevent periodontal disease.
• Nuts: Almonds and cashews are great sources of calcium and magnesium that help strengthen your teeth and gums! They’re also a great source of protein and healthy fats.

• Regular dental visits

Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing experience for some, but routine cleanings and exams are absolutely vital to maintaining your oral health. In addition to detecting and addressing problems like tooth decay or gum disease early, these appointments are also the perfect opportunity for you to get your teeth cleaned and discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist. These preventive exams allow your dental team to catch any developing dental health issues early, so your smile stays healthy for longer. 

To learn more about best practices for oral health, call Bay Area Dental at (510) 350-8187 or visit our dental office at 3300 Webster Street, #907, Oakland, CA 94609. Book your appointment with our dentist in Oakland, CA, to achieve the smile you have always wished for.