5 Oral Care Tips for a Healthy, White Smile

As you are probably aware, there are plenty of ways to get the bright, white smile that others will find attractive. With so many options for bleaching these days, from the trays and lasers offered by the dentist to the over-the-counter products that will do the deed for less, you don’t have to search too hard to find a means of brightening up your smile. But you might be more interested in how to preserve the natural, white smile you already have, not to mention the health of your teeth and your mouth in general. So here are just a few oral care tips that will help to ensure you don’t have to suffer through lasers and bleach in order to keep your smile healthy and white for years to come.

1. Pare down your diet. Modern man has found no shortage of ways to damage teeth. There are not only foods and beverages packed with sugar, acid, and chemical substances that break down protective enamel and feed harmful bacteria in your mouth, but plenty of people can’t do without that daily cup of coffee, tea, cola, wine, or some other substance that will stain pearly whites. And then, of course, there are cigarettes. All of these substances attack your oral health and the luminosity of your smile. So if you’re keen to stick with natural means of keeping your smile bright, tailor your consumption habits to meet your needs.
2. Double up on dairy. Just as there are plenty of foods that will stain and attack the integrity of your teeth, there are items that will do just the opposite, keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Dairy is your mouth’s best friend for a couple of reasons. For one thing, dairy products in general tend to be packed with the calcium essential to building strong bones, and that includes your teeth. But if you happen to be a cheese lover the outlook for oral health is even better. Cheese can help to balance the pH levels in your mouth, combatting the erosive acidity caused by sugars and other foods. So you might want to think about having a slice or two at the end of a meal.
3. Hydrate frequently. Your mouth has a means of keeping itself clean: when you swallow saliva it helps to clear away food particles and bacteria that lead to plaque and tartar buildup. But your body can only do so much if you do nothing to help the process. So think about adding plenty of water to your daily routine. Most of us don’t get the proper amount of water anyway, which can lead to all kinds of health issues. But if you’re looking to keep your smile healthy, rinsing frequently can be a big help.
4. Brush, floss, and rinse. Your body is designed to be a well-oiled machine, but every machine needs a little maintenance in order to operate at optimum levels. A daily regimen that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing is a big part of that maintenance. Ideally, you’ll want to do this after every meal, but for most busy adults that’s simply not practical. If you can manage it twice daily (morning and night) you’re on the right track.
5. Don’t skip dental visits. Failing to see the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings is a big mistake that could impact your oral health significantly over time. So get referrals from friends, call your insurance provider for a list of options in your area, or head to Highway 78 Dental and Orthodontics to get started post haste. You might find ways to fool yourself into thinking it’s not necessary to see a dentist, but your teeth won’t let you get away with that lie for long. And the sooner you get on track with proper oral health, the better chance you’ll have of preserving those pearly whites.