Dentist Shares Do’s and Don’ts for Optimal Oral Health

You wake up each day, stretch, and head over to the bathroom to start your daily routine. We hope brushing your teeth is one of the first things you do (no one likes morning breath), but that’s not all you have to do to optimize your oral health. In fact, there are many people who think they’re cleaning their teeth effectively, but may not be doing it right or practicing the best habits to keep a healthy mouth. Your dentist is here to share a few do’s and don’ts to get and keep your best smile.

DO These Things for a Better Smile:

Do brush and floss every single day

Good oral hygiene starts with brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. Brushing your teeth doesn’t mean just your teeth. Brush your whole mouth including your tongue, gums, and along the gum line. Include flossing every day to remove leftover particles that may be stuck in between your teeth.

Do pay attention to what you put in your mouth

Eating and drinking certain foods can affect your oral health in the long run, deteriorating enamel and staining your sparkling teeth. It is also just as important to moderate your alcohol consumption and eliminate all tobacco use to keep your smile strong.

Do visit your dentist every six months

Even with a great oral hygiene routine at home, it is imperative that you visit your dentist regularly to keep up your preventive care. Not only does this give your dentist a chance to address any symptoms you may be experiencing, but you’ll also have that awesome squeaky-clean feeling when you leave the dental office.

DON’T DO These Things for Your Smile:

Don’t ignore any signs or symptoms

Don’t ever overlook a sign of a dental issue in hopes that it will get better. You should visit your dentist at least once every six months already, but if you have a concern, you should never hesitate to call your dentist.

Don’t chew on things that aren’t meant to be in your mouth!

By chewing on objects rather than food, you’re risking chipping or cracking a tooth. Plus chewing on ice or opening packages could lead to enamel erosion—a whole other set of dental problems can be caused by weak tooth enamel.

Don’t take on your smile by yourself.

This tip may sound general, but taking care of your smile requires a team. That means that you should rely on a trusted dental team to take some responsibility. If you need to make cosmetic improvements, your dentist can provide a safe way to achieve the smile of your dreams. The same goes for preventive and restorative care.

Abiding by these simple do’s and don’ts will hopefully help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

About Our Office

At our Grand Island cosmetic and family dental practice, we pride ourselves on offering our patients the highest quality of dental care possible. We want you to know that we’re here for you every step of the way. Feel free to call us for advice or to schedule an appointment.