Are you making the right decisions when it comes to protecting your smile? Your choices regarding oral health care should extend beyond committing to brushing on a regular basis. If you want to keep yourself safe against dental decay, gingivitis, and other concerns, there are other behaviors that you should adopt. At our Rochester, MN dentist’s office, we can offer guidance on caring for your teeth between appointments. When you schedule routine care, you enjoy an important line of defense against decay and other concerns. Combining these services with daily care can lead to long-term protection against a variety of issues that can impact your well-being.
1. Flossing Every Evening Before Bed
When you floss before bed, you fight bacteria buildup in spaces between teeth. These areas are also spaces where food deposits can gather; without flossing, they can remain to provide food for microbes that are present in our mouths. Your flossing routine helps you tend to areas that are hard to clean with a toothbrush alone. When you have a better oral hygiene routine in place, you can count on a combination of it and your regular dental cleanings to protect you from problems with cavities and gingivitis.
2. Drinking More Water (And Cutting Back On Flavored Beverages)
When you make a commitment to drink more water, you can protect your overall health in many ways. What might surprise you is how this choice protects your smile. When we stay hydrated, we have less trouble producing saliva, which provides a natural defense against oral health problems. Another benefit to choosing more water? You can use it as a substitute for soft drinks and other flavored, sugary beverages. These drinks raise our risk for oral health issues, and they can cause dental discoloration that leads to cosmetic concerns.
3. Choose Fresh Fruits And Vegetables Over Sugary And Starchy Foods
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide general health benefits, and they can be better for our teeth. If you replace foods that are sugary and starchy with fresh alternatives, you can avoid exposing your enamel to substances that are potentially harmful. Be mindful of your food choices during snacks as well as meals, as the decisions you make in these times can have more impact on your smile than you might realize!
Your Rochester, MN Dentist Can Help You Protect Your Smile
There are several important steps that you can take to protect your smile from harm on a daily basis. In addition to taking care of your teeth at home, you should make a commitment to protecting your teeth and gums by attending regular dental exams! At your appointments, we will provide services that lower your risk for potential difficulties over time. We also look out for early signs of trouble that we will need to address. If you would like to find out more, call Calcagno Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
