If you want a happy, healthy smile that you’ll be proud to show off, then you’re not alone. Dr. López and his team are delighted to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Here are the top 5 keys to a smile you’ll be proud of for years to come.
1. Brushing
Brushing twice daily for at least two minutes is the first key to good oral health. That said, if you aren’t brushing properly, then there’s still room for improvement. It’s important to not only brush the outside surface of your teeth but the inside and chewing surfaces as well. It’s also important to brush along the gumline to remove the plaque that causes gum disease and tooth decay.
Replace Your Toothbrush
To avoid using a toothbrush that’s worn out and ineffective, replace it every 3-4 months. A great way to remember this is to swap out your toothbrush whenever the season changes so that you are changing brushes four times a year.
2. Flossing
Flossing is the next key to an outstanding smile. You only need to floss once daily to reach the areas that a toothbrush misses. If traditional flossing doesn’t meet your needs or is too difficult, then there are many alternatives.
Oral Irrigators
Oral irrigators use a jet of water that gently removes debris from in-between teeth. If sticking something between your teeth doesn’t appeal to you, then an oral irrigator is a great choice.
Floss pick
Floss picks are small plastic disposable flossing devices that come with a pre-threaded piece of floss attached to a handle. They’re easy to maneuver and extremely convenient.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are specially designed with thin bristles that glide between teeth. You don’t have to throw them away after a single use and can be used for up to a week.
3. Mouthwash
Using mouthwash is another fantastic tool patients should use to maintain good oral health and improve their smile. Not only does it help clean areas that brushing may miss, but it also strengthens teeth so they are more resistant to decay. Additionally, it helps to freshen breath and kill cavity-causing bacteria.
There are many different kinds of mouthwash, but it is best to use ones with fluoride for the best results. While mouthwash doesn’t replace the other steps in your dental regimen, it’s a great way to improve oral health and keep your smile shining
4. Diet
What you eat is a key indicator of how your smile will develop. With good eating habits, you can strengthen your smile and prevent a lot of staining you would otherwise experience.
Sugar
Too much sugar in your diet is bad for your teeth and the rest of your body. You might think it won’t affect your smile, but sugar can have devastating effects. The sugar itself doesn’t harm teeth–It’s the acid-producing bacteria that feed on the sugar causing the damage. Cutting back on sugary beverages and drinking lots of water will help to reduce the sugar in your diet and it will have a significant impact on the health of your teeth.
Milk
Second only to water, milk is the best thing you can drink to protect your teeth. It not only contains the calcium your teeth need to stay strong, it also coats your teeth reducing the effects acidic foods have on your smile.
Acidic Drinks
Many of our patients’ favorite beverages are highly acidic. These drink such as soda, coffee, juice, and wine are major contributors to teeth staining. Limiting consumption of these beverages will help to keep your teeth clean and bright. If you need help removing stains or you want to lighten your smile, Dr. López provides professional teeth whitening services.
5. Regular Bi-Annual Cleanings
Even if you have a stellar dental regimen and a diet that’s smile friendly, visits to the dentist shouldn’t be avoided. Dr. López can find oral problems you may not be aware of and he can prevent dental complications from becoming more severe. Additionally, our deep cleanings will remove plaque that has built up under the gumline in places you can’t reach with self-dental care.
If you do have any roadblocks to your ideal smile, Dr. López will work with you to solve them. Whether you need a teeth cleaning or root canal, or if you need a more in-depth procedure such as dental implants, our team at Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to clear the path to your dream smile.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Using these five steps, we’re confident our Spokane patients will achieve their ideal smiles. Dr. López and our staff are here to ensure any dental problems are solved in an easy and stress-free environment. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us. Schedule your next visit to Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.