Want to know the secret to having a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime? You probably already know part of secret, but the rest might surprise you. The following preventative dentistry tips are intended to help our patients in the Oakland area take great care of their teeth. These tips can not only save you from costly dental procedures, but they can prevent cancer and actually save your life. After all, “prevention is the best medicine.”
Simple Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay
Practicing these six steps can help ensure that you keep all of your natural teeth well into your Golden Years.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes.
- Floss daily.
- Eat well-balanced meals.
- Limit between-meal snacking.
- Drink plenty of water.
- See your dentist at least twice a year.
The first two items on this list are no-brainers for most people. But just how important are nutrition, hydration, and regular dental check-ups?
Nutrition and Dental Health
We need strong, healthy teeth to eat well. We also need to eat well in order to have strong, healthy teeth. That’s because our teeth and gums are made of living tissues that are nourished by the food we consume and are sensitive to poor diets. In fact, when nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in the mouth.
Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D, as well as the minerals calcium and phosphorus, are essential for dental health. Specifically, these nutrients have been shown to fight infection, protect tooth enamel, maintain healthy bones, and prevent cancer. Try to incorporate the following into your regular meals:
- Lean protein, such as beef, chicken, fish, and eggs
- Plant-based protein, including beans, nuts, and tofu
- Cheese and other dairy products
- Spinach and other leafy green vegetables
- Fortified cereals and whole grains
Even with healthy choices, between-meal snacking should be kept to a minimum. Snacking allows food particles to sit on the teeth for long periods of time, leading to more chance for decay. Drinking plenty of water can help rinse away any leftover food bits and prevent bacteria from collecting, and also keep your mouth feeling refreshed throughout the day.
Regular Dental Visits
Busy adults tend to procrastinate seeing the dentist until they have a serious problem. By committing to regular check-ups and cleanings every six months, however, we can see you before there is a problem – saving you time, money, and pain! We offer comprehensive dental care, including pain-free laser dentistry to treat cavities, fluoride treatments, professional breath control, oral cancer screenings, dental implants and other restorative dentistry, and laser periodontal (gum) care. As a general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Bucher also offers teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, if you are interested in improving the overall appearance of your smile.
Learn More about Preventive Dentistry
Whether you need a routine cleaning or restorative work, seeing a dentist regularly is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At Laser Dentistry of North Jersey, we are proud to help patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile! We invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bucher today.
