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How to Maintain a Healthy Smile for Years to Come

Many people take their dental health for granted and wait until it is too late to address any lingering dental problems. A small cavity can many times turn into a bigger one that reaches the tooth’s nerve causing a lot of pain and potentially the need to have a root canal. There are many ways that we can prevent these kinds of problems from happening and we have plenty of warning signs before tooth decay becomes a serious problem. In this article we will explore different ways to keep your mouth healthy and maintain a great smile.

Our diets and lifestyles contribute a lot to our dental health. Many of us know that sugary treats are especially bad for our teeth, but what we might not know are what type of foods are good for our teeth. Avoiding candies and pastries is a great start to maintaining a healthy mouth, as sugars are the leading cause of cavities. Cavities are caused by a specific bacteria that feeds off of glucose. The bacteria’s waste has an acidity that eats away the tooth’s enamel. This is how tooth decay occurs in our teeth. By starving the bacteria of its food source, we can prevent cavities from forming in the first place. Reducing your sugar intake will greatly help, and by adding healthy foods like yogurt and leafy greens like kale or spinach can drastically improve your dental health. These foods will not only give you plenty of nutrition, but they will also act as a cleaning agent for your teeth.

Our lifestyles also contribute to our overall dental health. Studies have shown that regular exercise promotes a more suitable pH level for our mouths. Needless to say, smoking and drinking alcohol damages your teeth amongst other parts of your body. Refraining from smoking and excess drinking will not only benefit your teeth, but also your entire body. Many dentists advise against drinking multiple cups of coffee after brushing your teeth. This is because coffee will cause discoloration or staining of your teeth. A simple solution is to use whitening tooth paste after drinking coffee.

Brushing and flossing combined with an antiseptic mouthwash is the best routine for keeping your teeth and mouth clean. Brushing your teeth with a fluorinated toothpaste has been shown to reduce the likelihood of getting cavities. Plus, you will need to make sure that your toothbrush is the proper strength. Some people must brush their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush as to not damage their gums. Make sure to ask your dentist which type of toothbrush is best suited for you. Flossing your teeth nightly can improve the health of your teeth and gums, as flossing gets any food debris left behind by your toothbrush. Lastly, an antiseptic mouthwash can kill most of the bacteria left behind by brushing and flossing.

Having a good dentist is one of the best ways to stay informed on keeping your smile healthy for many years. Make sure to check out nashvillerestorativedentistry.com for more information regarding dental health. Our smiles are too precious to neglect.

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