subject: Take Proper Preventive Measures To Keep A Healthy, Glowing Smile [print this page] Just as there are preventive measures to be taken to protect your body from harm, there are proper preventive measures to protect your teeth and gums, as well. With a proper preventive program and regular visits to your dentist in Milpitas, you can help prevent cavities, preserve teeth that have been restored and manage periodontal disease. At your initial visit, your dentist will go over proper oral hygiene instructions, which are also reinforced at future visits. Some helpful tips in maintaining a healthy mouth include, but are not limited to:
*Brush your teeth twice a day
*Floss at least once a day
*Avoid smoking
*Eat a balanced diet
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Everyday
Brushing is one of the most effective methods for removing harmful plaque from your teeth and gums. By removing the debris off your teeth and gums in a timely manner, you will be able to prevent bacteria in the food that you eat from turning into harmful, cavity causing acids. Most dentists agree that brushing two times a day is the minimum and if you use fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night time, you can get away without using toothpaste during the middle of the day.
Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. It typically requires a thin piece of synthetic cord you insert and move up and down between the sides of two adjoining teeth. Many dentists believe that flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque and is a proven method for complementing your brushing routine, helping to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental problems later in life. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime and decrease your chance of having periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay.
Avoid Smoking
On cigarette packages it reads a warning that if you quit now, it will greatly reduce serious risks to your health. Smoking does cause lung cancer, and emphysema, but smoking also causes half of periodontal disease in smokers, which can lead to tooth loss. If you quit now, you can increase your oral health as well as your overall health. Studies have found that tobacco use may be one of the biggest risk factors in the development of periodontal disease. Now, with knowing these risks, don't you think that you should quit smoking or not even start the habit? It is best to never start smoking, but if you have already begun, quit as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your teeth or gums.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
You can improve your oral health and reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease by eating a well-balanced diet based on the well-known food pyramid. It is recommended that eating a variety of foods from the five major food groups - grains, fruit, vegetables, milk and meat - are highly important. Vitamin and mineral supplements can also help in the preservation of periodontal health in addition to the boosting of overall health and well-being. Your dentist and family physician can help you determine a healthy diet for your needs.
Visit your dentist in Milpitas for regular dental visits and for further information on proper preventive care for maintaining a glowing smile for longer.
