It’s easy to learn how to maintain dental health, but not always so easy to follow through and do what’s necessary to maintain good strong teeth and gums. At Wimmer Dental in Centennial we consider healthy eating, good oral hygiene, and dental visits, and not smoking as some of the most important ways to help you maintain good dental health.
When you take care of your teeth and brush regularly, the germs and bacteria are killed before they can get into your system. This prevents illness and other very serious medical conditions.
Oral hygiene is usually most effective when you have a scheduled routine to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Brushing and flossing every day should always be a part of that routine. This will keep the bacteria and plaque that cause cavities, away from your teeth and gums. So, you should make brushing twice a day, a part of your routine.
You should also make sure you see your dentist twice a year for check-ups. Your dentist can clean your teeth, check for problems with your gums and give you suggestions and advice on the best ways to maintain dental health.
Another part of your oral health routine includes having a healthy diet. A diet of fast food does not promote good dental health and may be the first thing you can change to help improve your dental health. The less sugar you eat, the better for your teeth. If you chew gum, choose sugarless gum. It’s better for your teeth.
Also, beware of acidic food and drinks that wear down the dental enamel. The enamel is the thin, outer layer of hard tissue that maintains the tooth’s structure and shape. Basically, the acid in what you eat and drink can break down the tooth structure. Food and drinks that are high in acidity include fruit, soft drinks, fermented foods like yogurt, and grapes and wines.
At Wimmer Dental in Centennial, we also see a number of patients who are experiencing the unexpected results of smoking – tooth decay and gum loss. When you smoke it blocks the flow, and function of the saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps clean the lining of your mouth and teeth. The flow of saliva is important because it helps counteract mouth acids that cause decay and protects the teeth from wearing away.
Smoking can also cause gum disease, which in turn can lead to tooth loss. It reduces blood flow to the gums and cuts the nutrient supply. It can also cause a reduction in the vitamin C levels and cause receding gums. When this happens, the teeth become loose and can fall out.
Better oral hygiene, healthy eating habits and not smoking are the best ways to maintain optimal dental health. Changing your habits for good oral health can also improve your overall physical health. As a patient of Wimmer Dental in Centennial, you’ll get all the guidance you need to keep your teeth and gums in excellent shape. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.