Top Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile

You put your smile first, so keep it healthy! A winning smile is something that you naturally want to show off, which means you can unleash your joy without a care in the world. 

An unhealthy smile can hurt your confidence. Worse, it can actually put your entire health as a whole at risk. Everyone is at risk as well of their teeth decaying, especially as the years go by. 

That’s why maintenance is so important. 

Yes, expert dentists like those here at BAFDentistry can help you reclaim your smile at any stage of tooth decay. We can help you if you are missing teeth and need an implant, if they’re yellowing and need professional whitening, and of course if you have any signs of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Where the real magic happens, however, is in how you maintain your teeth. The steps you take at home are how you can keep your smile looking beautiful, and healthy. Regardless of whether you simply start today, or are looking for a follow-up maintenance routine after a dental procedure, these are the top tips for a healthy smile you need to follow:  

Top Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile

There are many ways to maintain a healthy smile, but consistency is the most important tip. Doing all the tips outlined below for one day is great, but it’s not going to make a lasting impact if you don’t keep up with it. 

Brush Regularly  

The absolute minimum to maintain your oral health is to brush your teeth at least twice a day, though ideally, this will be done after every meal. Bits of food can get caught in between the teeth, which leads to plaque, then tartar, and in turn, cavities. Brushing regularly works to remove those bits of food and debris from your teeth. 

Remember to Floss 

Flossing is one of those steps that so many people know they need to take, but don’t. The fact is you should floss every time you brush your teeth. Even with brushing plaque can build-up between the teeth, and the only way to stop it is to remove any remaining bits of food or plaque from between your teeth is with floss. 

You can use string floss, or even a water flosser. Find the method that works for you and stick with it – your smile will thank you! 

Reduce Your Sugar Intake 

Eating healthy is a very important part of your oral hygiene. This means eating foods that are great for your health, and trying to cut down or cut out foods that are highly acidic, and sugary. The worst is when they are both acidic and sugary, which is the case with common drinks like Coca Cola. 

Acids and sugars work to wear down your tooth enamel, which in turn leads to issues like cavities or tooth decay, even if you brush regularly. If you do eat acidic or sugary foods, try to drink water and rinse your mouth out afterward, to neutralize the effects if you can’t immediately brush your teeth. 

Know the Signs of Poor Oral Health 

Another important tip to help you maintain a healthy smile is to know the warning signs. For example, something like persistent bad breath could indicate tooth decay even if you don’t feel pain yet. 

While once-in-awhile symptoms are nothing to worry about, you do need to make a move and book an appointment with your dentist if you notice persistent symptoms. This means they happen day in and day out, and don’t stop. 

Just a few examples of poor oral health include: 

• Bad Breath: As stated, persistent bad breath can actually be an indication that you are experiencing tooth decay. 
• Loose or Lost Teeth: Unless there’s an external reason for your teeth to feel loose or fall out (for example, an injury), then seek out help immediately. In adults loose teeth can be a sign of gum disease or teeth grinding. It can also happen during pregnancy. Going to a dentist or healthcare provider can help you get to the bottom of the issue before more teeth fall out. 
• Pain and Soreness: If it hurts to chew, or if you have a persistent ache in your jaw, seek out help immediately, as this may be an indication of tooth decay, receding gums, a cracked tooth, or a teeth grinding disorder. Do keep in mind, however, that sinus infections or head colds that affect the sinuses can cause aching in the teeth, but this isn’t because of an issue with your teeth. If you are sick, feel free to wait until you recover. If the pain persists, then book an appointment. 

Red, Swollen, or Receding Gums: If your gums look wrong, are inflamed, or seem to be getting smaller, then see your dentist ASAP, as this can be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease means there’s bacteria in the mouth that’s eroding your teeth, and worse, that bacteria can also make you sick.  

Book Bi-Yearly Dental Appointments 

Even with the best at-home routine you will still need to book in yearly cleanings and check-ups with a dentist. This is the best way to spot early signs of tooth decay and fix them fast, before they start to hurt or cost a high price to fix. 

Regular dental check-ups also mean you get a professional deep clean, removing any hard-to-reach plaque and tartar that your regular routine might have missed. 

It can be stressful to get a check-up, especially if it’s been years since your last cleaning. That’s why it’s so important you choose a highly-rated dentistry like ours. We have a 5-star rating on RateABiz and 4.9 stars on Google from our very happy patients. We’ve even been awarded the Best of Asheville award, so you can trust that you’ll get friendly care with us. All you need is to book an appointment with our team today, and we’ll help you get started with your healthy smile journey.