Beyond Brushing: What to Embrace and What to Avoid for a Healthier Smile

We’ve been taught to brush and floss our teeth since we were little. How does it go? Two brushes a day keep cavities at bay? While brushing your teeth and flossing are incredibly important, your teeth and gums could use some additional help. Here are a few healthy habits to embrace and a few unhealthy habits to avoid for stronger pearly whites. 

Habits to Embrace

Water: The Life Source 

Sixty percent of your body is water. Water can help with every aspect of health. It lends energy and strength, gets rid of waste, improves skin health, and strengthens teeth. 

Drinking water dilutes the acids from foods, drinks, and plaque that build up in your mouth during the day. Regularly drinking water can help keep your mouth clean and help you avoid stains, bad breath, and other unpleasant side effects. 

Experts recommend that men drink 15.5 cups, which is nearly the equivalent of two 2 liters a day. Women should drink 11.5 cups or nearly two and a half Stanley tumblers daily. 

The Best Foods to Eat for a Healthier Smile 

Consuming a wide variety of foods is important for many different reasons. Most notably, eating a collection of natural foods can improve your dental health. Natural foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products hold a host of beneficial vitamins and minerals that help your teeth and gums stay strong. We’ve made it simple for you. Here is a short but diverse list of some of the best foods for your teeth and gums:

• Crunchy Fruits: Apples and Pears 
• Crunchy Vegetables: Celery, Snap Peas, and Peppers 
• Leafy Greens: Spinach, Kale, and Lettuce
• Fatty Fish: Salmon
• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, and Peanuts
• Dairy Products: Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese
• Citrus Fruits: Lemons, Limes, and Oranges

The Most Sensational Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum is a good dental habit. It improves your smile by promoting saliva production, which reduces plaque acidity. Essentially, it strengthens your teeth and reduces tooth decay. So, find a stick, enjoy the flavor, and know that you’re doing your smile a favor. 

Habits to Avoid

Eliminate Sugary Snacks and Beverages

It’s no secret that sugary treats and drinks can facilitate cavities. Consuming a large amount of sugar can cause the enamel on your teeth to break down, which can make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities and decay. 

Sugar is hard to avoid, so it's best to practice mindfulness and minimize where you can. Always drink water after eating a sugary snack; this will help eliminate some of the bacteria. You might also opt for a small soda instead of a large one. 

Don’t Use Your Teeth for Non-Eating Purposes

Biting your nails, chewing ice, and opening packaging can damage your teeth and gums. These innocent habits can cause your teeth to chip and crack. Your teeth were made for chewing food and smiling; expecting them to take on additional tasks is unrealistic. When teeth are in this broken condition, it is infinitely harder for them to do what they were made to do.  

Schedule Regular Dental Appointments 

Don’t put off your six-month dental cleaning. These appointments help reset your teeth and gums and give your dentist a chance to implement cavity and tooth-decay prevention measures. Keeping up with these appointments will save you painful teeth procedures later. 

If you haven’t had a teeth cleaning appointment in over six months or are in need of dental services, consider Apple Tree Dental. Our dentists and hygienists are experienced in the latest teeth-cleaning technology and methods. We do our best to make your visit quick, efficient, and comfortable. At Apple Tree Dental, our top priority is you and your health.