TEETH TIPS

At Curtis Couch D.D.S in Thousand Oaks, California, we place great emphasis on educating patients about good oral health and ways to maintain the health and integrity of their smile.

As such, in this article we have compiled a list of teeth tips that you should follow to keep your oral health in check.

Teeth tips for a healthy smile

Tip#1 Follow a consistent oral health regime – Did you know that adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities? 3 out of 4 adults are affected at some time in their life, but there is something we can do about it! The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily. Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss your teeth at least once a day (or after every meal if possible) for good oral health. Tip #2 Follow a tooth friendly diet – A healthy diet is not only essential to your overall health, but it is also essential to healthy teeth and gums. Recent confirmed that all foods and rinks which stimulate saliva productions are great at clearing the mouth of debris. Saliva provides a strong protective film to the teeth and helps to wash away and neutralise the damaging acids. Foods that are healthy for your teeth include:
  • Milk
  • Cheddar, Swiss and mozzarella
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Wholegrain cereals
  • Lean meats
In contrast, foods you should avoid consuming in high amounts include:
  • lollies
  • Soft drinks
  • Sodas and sports drinks
  • Fruit juices
  • Potato chips
  • Savoury crackers
  • Popcorn
  • Fruit snack bars
  • Sweet biscuits
  • Some breakfast cereals
  • Dried fruit
Tip- #3 – Rinse or chew gum after meals. In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse can help prevent decay and gum problems. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can also help protect your teeth by increasing saliva flow, which naturally washes bacteria away and neutralizes acid. Tip#4 – use fluoride – The single biggest advance in oral health has been fluoride, which strengthens enamel, making it less likely to decay. Three out of four Americans drink water that is fluoridated. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses also contain fluoride. Tip # 5 Avoid sugary foods. When bacteria in the mouth break down simple sugars, they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel, opening the door to decay. “Sugary drinks, including soft drinks and fruit drinks, pose a special threat because people tend to sip them, raising acid levels over a long period of time,” says Steven E. Schonfeld, DDS, PhD, a dentist in private practice and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. “Carbonated drinks may make matters worse, since carbonation also increases acidity.” Sticky candies are another culprit, because they linger on teeth surfaces. Tip # 6 Don’t forget to visit us for your professional clean – While maintaining a regular oral health regime is important to maintain good oral health, brushing and flossing alone are not able to remove the build-up of plaque on our teeth. A professional clean every 6 months is the only way to remove plaque and tartar safely and effectively. At this appointment we will also perform a full mouth examination to prevent any dental problems from worsening during.

Experience unsurpassed quality dentistry, delivered with compassion and care.

At Curtis Couch D.D.S in Thousand Oaks, California, our practice is the largest Dental Hygiene practice in California, with 7 highly qualified, professional Dental hygienists to help care for your smile. Our dental hygienists will always ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during each and every visit to our practice, and look forward to helping you keep your smile in optimal health. For more information on Oral Hygiene, or to book your next dental visit and receive a professional clean and oral examination, please don’t hesitate to contact us.