Halloween isn’t the only thing to celebrate in October. This month is also National Dental Hygiene Month, a time dedicated to celebrating your smile by taking good care of it. Having a celebration of healthy teeth at the same time as one that revolves around candy can cause some issues, so what can you do to counteract the latter? Read on to learn four tips that will help you keep your oral hygiene in check this year and beyond.
Tip #1: Drink More Water
It’s no secret that drinking water is good for your body. It helps prevent dehydration, maximizes physical performance, increases your energy levels, and even benefits your pearly whites. This is because drinking water prevents dry mouth, which can raise your risk of cavities, gum disease, mouth sores, and other oral health problems. Drinking water also helps wash away bacteria and food particles.
Tip #2: Brush Frequently
Brushing your teeth is one of the most important parts of taking care of your smile. This crucial oral hygiene step lessens your risk of developing tooth decay by removing bacteria, plaque, and food particles. Brush once in the morning as well as every night for two minutes each time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damage as well as toothpaste with fluoride to keep your teeth strong.
Tip #3: Flossing Every Day
Brushing isn’t the only oral hygiene step you need to take at home. It’s also important to floss at least once per day. It’s best to floss at night. This will allow you to remove food that got stuck between your teeth throughout the day. This will also remove roughly 40% of the plaque on your teeth, which sharply lowers your risk of getting cavities between your pearly whites.
Tip #4: Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet
If you consume a lot of sweet, acidic, or sticky foods, now is the time to cut back. Instead, increase your intake of foods that are good for your smile, including:
- Fresh, crisp fruits and vegetables – This includes pears, apples, celery, and carrots.
- Low-fat or fat-free dairy products – Milk, cheese, and yogurt are good examples.
- Lean meats – Chicken, lean beef, and turkey are great for your smile.
- Fish – Consider an entrée of salmon for your next meal.
Along with the above tips, be sure to see your dentist at least twice per year. These biannual dental visits will allow them to ensure that your oral health is in good shape. They can also offer tips to better your smile and treatments to repair any damage and get your pearly whites back on the right track!
About the Practice
Drs. Mickey Leth, Bert Tavary, and Sabrina Wall lead the St. Augustine team at Salt Run Family Dentistry with compassion that shows in the way they care for their patients. They treat people from all walks of life from the comfort of their inviting office. They administer high-quality treatments, such as dental cleanings to keep your smile looking and functioning at its best. If you are interested in learning more about Salt Run Family Dentistry’s services or want to set up an appointment, visit their website or call their office at (904) 824-3540.