A beautiful healthy smile is usually at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to looking and feeling great, but unfortunately, not everyone has a reason to smile. However, there are some steps that you can take to improve your toothy grin.

Brush and floss

Brushing twice and flossing once each day really is paramount when it comes to good oral health habits. Brushing and flossing removes food particles that the bacteria in your mouth feed on. Brushing and flossing cleans your teeth and gives your breath a clean and fresh smell. Using fluoride toothpaste can also help strength your teeth. Your dentist recommends that you brush for two minutes twice each day and floss once each day to get rid of the food particles between your teeth.

See your Dentist

It is imperative that you see your dentist once every six months. Even more so if you have had gum disease in the past. If you are susceptible to tooth decay or suffer from other health conditions, talk to your dentist who may recommend more frequent dental appointments. Regular dental appointments can catch problems in the beginning, which can make the treatment much easier and less expensive. Regular oral cancer screenings during your dental appointment can also help detect early cancer warning signs.

A Healthy Diet

Eating plenty of dairy products that are rich in calcium will help keep your teeth strong. Kale and sardines are also high in calcium helping you keep both your bones and your teeth healthy. Enjoy foods with vitamin C as they can also improve the health of your gums. Eat plenty of veggies, including celery, which is known as Mother Nature’s dental floss.

Tobacco Use

If you smoke or chew tobacco you may want to consider quitting as people who haven’t kicked the habit are four times more likely to suffer from gum disease. Smokeless tobacco ups your risk of oral cancer including gum, cheek, tongue, and lip and throat cancer. Smoking and chewing tobacco also contributes to chronic halitosis and gum disease.

If you would like more information regarding healthy habits for teeth and gums, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.