Read this if you want a Healthy Smile
You may have different opinions about what makes a healthy smile. But most people consider white teeth free of plaque and tartar buildup, pink gums, and fresh breath to be the cornerstone of a healthy smile. But healthy doesn’t have to mean perfect. You can have a healthy smile even if your teeth are a little bit crooked or you have a gap between your teeth. But how do you achieve a healthy-looking smile? Today on our newest blog, we share some insightful oral hygiene tips and ways to keep your teeth pearly white and your gums in good shape.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Brushing your teeth is easily one of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile. But you should brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque buildup before it hardens into tartar. If you can work in a mid-day brushing session, even better, although brushing in the morning and before bed are non-negotiable if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing your teeth isn’t about how hard you brush or whether you rinse with a mouthwash that stings. Instead, it’s the mechanics of brushing and how long you brush that counts. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brush in circular motions along the front and backsides of your teeth. Brush back and forth along the chewing surface of your back teeth (top and bottom). Ensure that your toothpaste is fluoridated, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash if you want to add extra freshness to your breath.
Floss once a day before bed
It’s quite common for people to brush their teeth daily. However, many people don’t floss their teeth at all or only floss when they feel something lodged between their teeth. Flossing is the only way to clean between your teeth where bacteria lurk and are more likely to cause gum disease and cavities. Therefore, floss your teeth once a day before bed so that you can remove any food particles or plaque. Otherwise, that grossness sits in your mouth all night, fueling harmful bacteria that cause infections like gum disease and tooth decay.
See your dentist twice a year
If you have made it this far, don’t stop yet! At-home oral hygiene like brushing and flossing your teeth daily is necessary for a healthy smile. But it requires more than what you accomplish at home. You also need to visit the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. The purpose of professional dental cleanings is to remove stuck-on tartar that cannot be brushed or flossed away. How does tartar form? It’s from leftover plaque that you didn’t brush or floss away. Don’t worry. Everyone gets tartar buildup, even dentists. But the good news is that professional dental cleanings remove the buildup to help keep your smile healthy.
Family Dentists in Louisville
Having a healthy smile doesn’t mean that your teeth have to be absolutely perfect. It just means that you reduce your risk of cavities and protect yourself from developing gum disease. It also means that your breath stays fresher to help you avoid those embarrassing moments while in a meeting or up close to a significant other. To learn more about maintaining a healthy smile, contact Exceptional Dentistry by calling (502) 423-7868 or visit our website to schedule a consultation today.
Book Your Consultation
We are excited you found us and we hope you will take the first step to join our family.
