Did you know that the majority of people believe your smile is your most important physical feature? And, depending on how you take care of this attribute, the quality of your grin can light up a room leave you embarrassed. How can you get the most out of your smile? Follow the top five tips from Dr. Gary Henkel, your preferred cosmetic dentist in 19102 at Horsham Dental Elements.
What Are the Top 5 Ways To Care For My Teeth?
Dr. Henkel’s nearly 40 years of dental expertise gives him the insight and professional expertise you need in a dental professional. He recommends the following strategies to keep your teeth shining bright your whole life long.
#1 – Brush & Floss Properly
Sounds easy enough, right? Be sure to brush gently for two minutes twice a day, and floss while you’re at it. Many patients will brush for a shorter amount of time, but with more pressure, thinking this will get the job done. Dr. Henkel cautions against this – brushing too hard can cause gum recession and leave your teeth vulnerable to decay and cavities. If you’re unsure about your technique, watch these brushing and flossing tutorial videos.
#2 – Eat Healthy
Since your teeth come in direct contact with foods, and they also get their nourishment from what you eat, be sure to protect them inside and out by enjoying a well-balanced diet. Avoid sugar in foods and beverages (like fruit juices and sodas), since this causes tooth decay and enamel problems. Instead, stick to water as your beverage of choice, and load up on leafy greens and dairy products that are loaded with calcium. Cheese is especially great since it helps protect against cavities.
#3 – Don’t Smoke
If you use tobacco products in any of their forms, stop now. Not only are you putting yourself at risk for cardiovascular disease and deadly lung problems, this unhealthy habit is the leading cause of oral cancers. And, it stains your teeth, contributes to gum disease, and causes bad breath.
#4 – See Your Dentist
There’s no substitute for professional dental care. Be sure to see Dr. Henkel at least twice a year for preventive services like exams and cleanings. Regular care is the best way to catch tooth issues before they get out of hand and end up requiring complex restorative treatments like root canal therapy. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your smile.
#5 – Consider An Upgrade
Straight teeth are healthy teeth. Since proper alignment protects teeth from injury, decreases the chances for gum disease, and increases self-confidence, Invisalign from your dentist in 19102 can give you the perfectly straight teethyou deserve.
Now that you know the five best ways to care for your teeth, schedule your appointment with Horsham Dental Elements today to learn more great tips from us!
