Healthy Habits & Happy Smiles: What is Good for Teeth and Gums?

Healthy teeth make happy smiles. But getting the brightest chompers on the block isn’t a walk in the park – there are important habits that you have to build to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.

Luckily, we’ve got the secrets to a healthy smile right here, and we’re ready to share! Building a foundation of great dental health starts in childhood, but everyone in your family should be practicing these FIVE healthy habits to fight oral health problems and keep teeth healthy around the clock.

Taking Care of Your Smile for Healthy Teeth

Caring for your teeth and gums for good dental health benefits doesn’t just promote strong teeth. Having better tooth and gum health also means better breathe, a better-looking smile, fewer life-long dental costs, and greater comfort (after all, getting rid of all that bad, harmful bacteria will make teeth feel better and prevent tooth decay!).

But what are the five top things that you can do for your teeth? Let’s take a look!

Brush Away Your Tooth Decay

Your number one tool for preventing tooth decay, cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental issues? Brushing your teeth! When food particles are left behind after meals, plaque-causing bacteria eat the bits of sugars and starches and then release harmful acids that cause enamel erosion and gum disease. Brushing your teeth fights back, removing plaque, bacteria, and food debris.

Brushing your teeth for three minutes (minimum) in the morning and at night is a top priority! While it can be easy to forget or put off toothbrushing, it’s vital for getting rid of cavity-causing bacteria and keeping teeth strong.

Eliminate Food Particles with Flossing

Did you know that flossing is just as important as brushing? It’s true!

Flossing doesn’t just remove food stuck between your teeth. It’s good for your gums, stimulating the tissue and removing plaque trapped in hard-to-reach spaces. Flossing once a day can also make your smile brighter by helping gums look healthier and flatter.

Protect Tooth Enamel with the Right Tools

Beyond floss and your toothbrush, you also need a few more awesome tools for your smile adventure.

Many of us may focus on whitening power or how good our toothpaste tastes, but the real secret to success lies with fluoride. A fluoride toothpaste is key to great oral health! When picking out your next toothpaste, choose one with the American Dental Association seal to maximize your benefits.

Learn the Best Snacks for Oral Health

We all know how important it is to our entire body and overall health that we enjoy all the food groups, but having a balanced diet (and incorporating specific essential nutrients into our meals) can also do awesome things for our teeth!

What are some of the best snacks for our smile?

• Calcium-Rich Food: Calcium helps out bone density and protects enamel. Plain yogurt, fat-free milk, cheese, and other dairy products help improve saliva production and provide calcium. Dark-green leafy vegetables, canned salmon, and tofu are alternative sources of calcium as well.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Crunchy, raw vegetables, leafy greens, Vitamin C-filled citrus fruits, and fresh fruits are great for your body and teeth! They are nutrient-rich foods containing vitamin C, folic acid, and other nutrients that help your body absorb calcium, protect enamel, and clean teeth. Raw veggies can even act like a natural toothbrush, scrubbing away plaque while you chew.
• Other Foods: There are even more nutrients that you can focus on to enjoy a stronger smile: fatty fish, salmon, eggs, and vitamin-D fortified foods; green and black teas containing polyphenols; and foods containing phosphorus like lean meat, protein foods, eggs, and more.
• Water: The more saliva you have, the easier it is to fight bacteria and plaque. Chewing gum (specifically sugarless gum) and drinking fluoridated water will help you make saliva during and after meals (and stay hydrated).

While starchy or sugary foods are some of the worst foods for our enamel, we can still have sugary treats every once in a while. Just make sure to avoid eating foods high in added sugar, soft drinks, acidic foods, and starchy foods too often (and always brush your teeth after)!

Visit the Dentist to Show Off Your Smile!

Show off your smile to the dentist regularly to stay on track for a lifetime of healthy teeth! Everyone should schedule checkups and preventative cleanings with their dentist or pediatric dentist. How often? Twice a year – minimum!

If you and your little one are looking for a local pediatric dentist to help you on your path to awesome oral health, your adventure starts here – at Cullman’s own S’more Smiles. Visit Dr. Cat and the team for better care (and happier dental visits)!