Healthy Teeth in Five Easy Steps

Healthy Teeth in Five Easy Steps

November 30, 2011

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A bright, healthy smile is a lot more than just brushing and flossing every day. These five easy steps will help you maintain great oral hygiene as you go about your daily routine, from your family dentists in Beaverton: Murray Scholls Family Dental.

Step One: A Well-Balanced Diet

Everything you eat has an effect on your teeth. One great aspect of this truth is that what’s generally bad for your overall health is also bad for your teeth.

Foods that are high in refined sugar help the growth of the bacteria that produce plaque. This sticky, yellow substance spreads onto the surfaces of our teeth as well as those hard-to-reach areas. This activity produces stains and tooth decay.
Healthier foods tend not to stick to teeth, and crunchy foods – like fruits and vegetables – naturally help clean teeth while you eat.  Don’t forget to factor in the effects of beverages as well – avoid those high in sugar, like sodas and juices. Stick with milk or water to avoid tooth decay and help keep your teeth healthy!

Step Two:  Brush Correctly

It’s important to not only brush every day – twice a day – but to brush correctly. Even though you’re brushing regularly, you may not be getting the most out of this daily habit. This guide to brushing your teeth can help lead you through the best techniques for maintaining your healthy smile.

Step Three:  Flossing Routine

Is flossing your teeth regularly as important as brushing them? A daily routine of flossing your teeth can have many benefits, even if you’re just starting out. This guide to flossing your teeth outlines how to correctly – and effectively – floss.

Step Four:  Quit Tobacco Products

Regardless of whether or not you’re using smokeless tobacco or smoking cigarettes, you’re at a risk of oral cancer. In addition, using tobacco products increases the chance of other dental problems, such as gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth decay. Other issues connected with tobacco use includes bad breath and stained teeth.

Step Five: Visit Your Dentist Regularly

The standard recommendation is to visit your dentist office, Murray Scholls Family Dental, twice a year. This is a great guideline, but you may need more frequent dental visits with Dr. Walker and his staff depending on your specific situation. Talk with Dr. Walker regarding issues like swollen gums, discolored teeth, oral cancer screening, frequent cavities, and any previous dental work you’ve had done. Working together, you and Dr. Walker will figure out a schedule that’s right for you.