At Alexander Dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients achieve lifelong dental health and oral hygiene habits. It’s important to us that our patients are properly informed on how to care for their smiles, both in-office and at-home. Here are three basic things you can do for your smile that will greatly benefit your overall dental health.
Reevaluate Your Diet
What kinds of foods and beverages are you eating most often? Patients who consume high amounts of artificial candies or starchy potato chips are often the most prone to developing tooth decay or gum disease. Additionally, patients who eat excessively crunchy foods more often are more likely to suffer from dental damages. Many foods and beverages are notoriously tough on your teeth. Because your dental structures experience the brunt of your dietary choices, it’s important to consider your eating habit’s effect on your dental health. We recommend incorporating more smile-friendly snacks into your diet. Snacks like fruit smoothies, string cheese, and yogurt are great for your smile. Not only are they easy to chew but they are also filled with the nutrition your teeth, gums, and jawbone need to remain healthy and strong.
Commit To At-Home Hygiene Routines
Sometimes, it is easy to skip over self-care when your to-do list becomes too full. However, we want to encourage our patients to take time for themselves and commit to their at-home oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This small step has a huge impact on the longevity of your smile. Brushing and flossing are your smile’s main lines of defense when it comes to preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque and tartar buildup, if allowed to remain on your dental structures, can cause dental damages and even lead to tooth loss. By taking the time out of your day every day to practice routine oral hygiene, you could be saving yourself from needing costly dental care down the line.
Address Dental Concerns Early
If something goes wrong with your smile, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as you can. The earlier you treat a dental concern, the less likely it is to require more costly restorative care. Even if you experience pain that eventually goes away on its own, it’s important to mention any symptoms you experience outside of the office when you are in the dental chair. Our goal is to catch small concerns like cavities and gum tenderness early on so that you do not experience further pain or discomfort. Alexander Dentistry provides compassionate dental care for a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dental health concerns. Our dentists are highly skilled in the art and science of creating healthy, strong, and lasting smiles. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your dental concerns sooner rather than later.