5 Tips From a Dentist for a Healthy Smile

Now that mask mandates are finally starting to lift around the country, there’s nothing better than seeing smiles all around! Being proactive in maintaining a healthy smile is the key to keeping it looking and feeling great. Follow these simple tips to keep your teeth healthy for years to come! 

1.    Maintain Good Daily Dental Hygiene Habits

You’ve been told to brush and floss daily your entire life so this probably seems obvious, but it really is the best way to maintain a healthy smile! Brush and floss at least twice a day. You should ideally brush after eating, but not too soon after. Wait 30 minutes or so to avoid high levels of acidity in your saliva that could cause damage to sensitive tooth enamel. Brush thoroughly and immediately follow up with flossing. Flossing removes food particles from between your teeth, lowering the risk of cavities!

2.    Schedule Regular Checkups

You should schedule a dental checkup every 6 months. This gives your dentist the ability to get a deeper clean of your teeth and gums. They can also preform x-rays and a physical exam to identify early warning signs of cavities before they’ve formed.

3.    Avoid Home Whitening Kits

Home whitening kits are tempting. Sparkling white teeth in the comfort of your own home at such a low price? News flash – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Home whitening kits can cause damage to your enamel and gums. You’re also likely to be left with uneven results that look worse than what you started with. If you really want to whiten your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist to get it done the right (and safe) way.

4.    Limit Drinks That Stain

Limiting the drinks you intake daily that stain your teeth will keep your pearly whites looking white longer. Tea, coffee, and wine are among the most common culprits of teeth staining. You can still enjoy your favorite drinks, just do it in moderation. One cup of coffee in the morning won’t cause the same type of staining that sipping it throughout the workday will.

5.    Don’t Wait to Come to the Dentist

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, schedule an appointment right away! The same goes for any gum pain, redness, or bleeding. The sooner you get checked out, the sooner your dentist can provide you with the treatment you need for a healthy smile. Delaying treatment will only make the problem worse and lead to a treatment that takes longer and costs more.

Contact Whiting Dental Arts to Schedule an Appointment 

If you’re in need of dental care, contact Whiting Dental Arts today to schedule an appointment in our Swampscott MA dental office! Our team is experts at making each patient feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy with their smile at the end of the visit.