Tips to Have a Healthy Smile at Any Age

Even if you don’t feel like a spring chicken anymore, there are several things you can do to maintain strong and healthy teeth as you age! Follow these tips:

Brush & floss your teeth twice a day, every day

There’s simply no alternative to daily brushing and flossing to maintain clean and healthy teeth and gums. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps fortify your enamel against decay. Floss every day using string floss, a water flosser, floss picks, or a combination of these tools. If you rinse with a mouthwash, choose an alcohol-free kind and keep it out of reach of children.

Schedule twice-yearly dental appointments

Schedule dental appointments twice a year for professional cleanings and checkups. During these dental visits, your dental team will carefully examine your teeth and gums. If they detect any abnormalities, they may recommend improvements to your oral hygiene routine and diet at home, as well as professional treatment in their office.

Maintain a balanced diet

A healthy diet doesn’t only benefit your body; it is also important for your teeth and gums! Consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, lean protein, fish, and dairy will supply your body with the nutrients it needs to strengthen your oral cavity against disease. Limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages, especially those with little nutritional value. When bacteria in your mouth eat sugar, they produce acids that damage your enamel and irritate your gums.

Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and staying hydrated is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile. Water promotes adequate saliva production, which wicks away bacteria from your mouth and remineralizes your teeth.

Avoid smoking

Smoking and tobacco products promote dry mouth and bad breath, suppress your body’s ability to repair tissue and fight infection, and discolor your teeth. Quitting tobacco will not only reduce your risk of dental disease, it will also improve your overall health!

Comprehensive dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN

At Salem Creek Family Dental, we serve patients of all ages with our comprehensive dental services and variety of payment options. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Categorised in: Dental Tips, Healthy Diet, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Preventive Dental Care