As your trusted dentist in Los Angeles, I have one goal (and it might count as two): to make your teeth as healthy as they are beautiful. I can do my portion when you come in for your regular checkups and cleanings, but the greater part of your oral health depends on the choices you make at home. That’s why I work hard to educate my patients, too, on what they can do to maintain strong, gorgeous teeth for a lifetime. With that in mind, I’ve listed five tips for excellent oral health. Any that you’d like to add? Please let us know in the comments section below!
Enjoy Better Oral Health With These Five Steps
Good oral health is about the choices you make throughout the day. Keep this checklist in mind and watch your smile improve!
#1: Brush like you know you should
It’s no surprise that simple toothbrushing is the number one thing you can do to improve your oral health. So you already know how important it is, but do you really make a point to brush for two minutes, twice a day? As someone who peeks into hundreds of mouths, I’ll tell you something — many adults don’t. Increase your oral health by committing to never skip this important step. If you have trouble reaching the two minute mark, try setting a timer until you’re used to what it feels like.
#2: And don’t forget to floss
If many adults don’t brush quite like they should, even more are falling down on the flossing job. It’s a crucial step that’s often ignored — but flossing is the only way to remove the food particles and bacteria your toothbrush just can’t reach. Make a habit of it by placing the floss somewhere you’re sure to see it, like on top of the faucet or beside an important photo.
#3: Hydrate with water
When you commit to drinking water throughout the day, you’re not only avoiding excess sugar and tooth-staining colors. You’re also keeping your mouth well-hydrated — a crucial ingredient in oral health. A healthy mouth is one with plenty of saliva, and nothing aids in production of the stuff like pure, clean H2O.
#4: Maintain a balanced diet
You know what you eat impacts the way your body looks and feels, but do you ever consider how your diet can affect your dental health? It does, in a big way. Encourage strong teeth by eating a variety of good foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lowfat dairy and lean protein.
#5: Schedule (And Keep) Your Six Month Checkups
The fifth and final step in maintaining good oral health comes down to planning. When you schedule and maintain your regular checkups at Westside Dental Associates, you’re giving professionals the chance to check for and fix problems while they’re small — and that usually means less time, money and discomfort in the long run.
If it’s been more than six months since your last checkup, please don’t wait to schedule your first visit to our office in 2016! Click here to book your appointment online — new patients, click here. We can’t wait to see your smile!