If you want to have a beautiful smile to show the world, you need to begin with proper dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing are essential at-home steps to caring for your teeth. Professional cleanings are also necessary to keep your teeth and gums their healthiest. But there are a number of other things you can do, and avoid, to help maintain your oral health. Learning about proper hygiene techniques, and implementing healthy practices, can help give you a smile you’re proud to show off.

Proper At-Home Hygiene

Did you know that daily tooth brushing is not enough to keep your teeth clean? That’s because food particles and bacteria can remain stuck between your teeth, and also on your tongue. Gently brushing your tongue and carefully flossing between your teeth at least once a day can drastically reduce your risk of developing tartar.

This not only improves the appearance of your smile, it is great news for your gums, too.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in America, but it’s largely preventable with proper dental hygiene. That includes at-home care and professional cleanings twice a year, to eliminate any tartar buildup that has developed.

Avoid Cavities By Limiting Your Sugar

Cavities are a common dental problem associated with consuming too much sugar. But they’re not the only negative side effect of a diet too high in sugar or starch. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars, and when you eat or drink too much sugar, the bacteria can go into overdrive, basically. This has the potential to cause cavities, but can also lead to tooth infections and gum disease.

Eating a well-balanced diet helps to naturally improve your overall health, and also reduces your risk of dental problems. Try substituting fruit, which is high in water content and has no added sugar, for a processed sugary treat, juice or soda.

ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY, MA DENTISTS:

At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling 508-842-6356 today.