4 Habits That Protect Your Smile

A bright, healthy smile improves your appearance and builds your confidence. The following habits will protect your smile to keep it healthy and white:

  • Brush And Floss
    Brushing and flossing your teeth are basics, but they are at the top of the list for a reason. Simple oral hygiene can go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy and your smile sparkling.

Brush your teeth for at least two minutes after each meal. Use toothpaste with fluoride and hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle while moving it in small circles.

Floss at least once a day—many people skip flossing, but it is just as important as brushing your teeth. To make flossing easier, get a flossing pick that easily fits in your mouth.

  • Avoid Problem Foods And Beverages
    Some foods and beverages wreak havoc on your teeth. If you want your teeth to stay healthy and white, avoid the following
    • Sugary beverages like soda
    • Sticky and hard candy
    • Red wine and coffee that can stain your teeth
    • Foods that get stuck in your teeth

Instead of eating sugary foods, snack on carrot sticks, apple slices, celery, cucumbers, and other fruits and vegetables that keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Foods and beverages with calcium also protect your teeth and help them stay strong. Dairy products are a classic source of calcium, but if you don’t eat dairy you can get calcium from leafy greens like spinach, seafood, and almonds.

  • Drink Plenty Of Water
    Your body is pretty good at protecting itself—saliva is your body’s natural tool for killing bacteria and protecting your teeth. Drinking plenty of water will help your mouth produce saliva to kill germs and the water will help you rinse out your mouth and keep it clean.
  • Visit Your Dentist
    Even those with perfect oral hygiene and healthy diets can still get cavities. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist has tools that can clean more thoroughly than you ever can at home.

To learn more about protecting your teeth, visit Centennial Dental Center.