Tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease are largely preventable. Plaque build-up can be avoided by eating the right foods and practicing good oral hygiene. Any potential tooth problems can be detected and corrected with regular dental check-ups. An Orange County dentist offers these dental care tips for healthy smiles.
Replace your toothbrush after eight weeks of use. Over time, bacteria accumulate on the brush head and the bristles become soft, matted and ineffective. If your toothbrushes tend to wear out in less than six weeks, you are probably brushing too harshly.
Cut down on beverages with high levels of acid and sugar such as fruit juices, sodas, and sports drinks. Sugar promotes tooth decay by feeding harmful bacteria. Phosphoric and citrus acid can erode the enamel coating the teeth and even the dentin beneath. Whole fruits should be eaten with a meal and washed down with water.
Eat plenty of salads and crunchy raw vegetables. Leafy greens such as cabbage, spinach, and broccoli contain very little sugar and starch and are a great source of fiber. As you bite and chew fibrous foods, they scrub the teeth and gum line. Green vegetables are rich in nutrients needed for dental health including calcium, phosphorus and vitamins C, D and A.
Indulge in sugarless gum sweetened with xylitol. Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva, which naturally neutralizes acids and washes them away. Xylitol effectively lowers the risk of tooth decay. It alters the ecology of the mouth to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria.
According to the Orange County dentist, daily oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth. She recommends brushing in the morning and before bedtime with a small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. She also stresses the importance of flossing between teeth to prevent a build-up of tartar which could lead to gum disease.
Replace your toothbrush after eight weeks of use. Over time, bacteria accumulate on the brush head and the bristles become soft, matted and ineffective. If your toothbrushes tend to wear out in less than six weeks, you are probably brushing too harshly.
Cut down on beverages with high levels of acid and sugar such as fruit juices, sodas, and sports drinks. Sugar promotes tooth decay by feeding harmful bacteria. Phosphoric and citrus acid can erode the enamel coating the teeth and even the dentin beneath. Whole fruits should be eaten with a meal and washed down with water.
Eat plenty of salads and crunchy raw vegetables. Leafy greens such as cabbage, spinach, and broccoli contain very little sugar and starch and are a great source of fiber. As you bite and chew fibrous foods, they scrub the teeth and gum line. Green vegetables are rich in nutrients needed for dental health including calcium, phosphorus and vitamins C, D and A.
Indulge in sugarless gum sweetened with xylitol. Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva, which naturally neutralizes acids and washes them away. Xylitol effectively lowers the risk of tooth decay. It alters the ecology of the mouth to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria.
According to the Orange County dentist, daily oral hygiene is key to maintaining healthy teeth. She recommends brushing in the morning and before bedtime with a small-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. She also stresses the importance of flossing between teeth to prevent a build-up of tartar which could lead to gum disease.
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You can get excellent dental care tips and more information about a highly respected Orange County dentist at http://www.aestheticandemergencydentistry.com right now.
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