5 Good Habits for Healthy Teeth

Do you love drinking pop? Do you often skip brushing your teeth? If so, you could be increasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately, our dentist has plenty of tips to help you get back on track. Here are 5 good habits for healthy teeth.

1.) Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks

Do your teeth ever feel fuzzy or rough? If so, you may be leaving behind dental plaque on your teeth. Plaque loves to eat sugar and uses it to produce cavity-causing acid. You may especially feel plaque on your teeth after eating sugary foods.

Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and gums. Over time, this plaque eats sugar and starch to produce acid. This acid erodes tooth enamel and attacks your gums, putting you at risk for oral health issues. Fortunately, our dentist is able to remove plaque and tartar, as well as advise you on how to maintain a healthy smile.

It’s important to check labels in the store since many foods we think are “healthy” aren’t good for your teeth. For example, some flavors of yogurt can have a lot of sugar. Likewise, sports drinks often contain more sugar than the average person would think. Limiting sugary foods and drinks will make it easier for you to avoid oral health issues.

2.) Brush Teeth Twice a Day

The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride occurs naturally and has long been recognized for its oral health benefits. In fact, many municipalities have fluoridated drinking water to help reduce cavities.

Make sure you brush for 2 minutes so you have enough time to clean all teeth. If you always brush your teeth with one foot out the door, you could be leaving behind plaque on back teeth that are harder to reach. It’s not uncommon for people to develop cavities in back teeth when they rush.

3.) Floss Teeth Once a Day

Plaque loves to hide where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. That’s why it’s so important you floss once a day to remove plaque hiding in between teeth and along the gum line. Flossing helps prevent cavities from forming in between teeth so you can avoid an unpleasant surprise during your next teeth cleaning and oral examination with us.

4.) Use Mouth Rinse Once a Day

We recommend using a fluoride mouth rinse to help strengthen tooth enamel. Using mouth rinse helps wash away any residual plaque or food particles that could be left behind after brushing and flossing. Your dentist can help you choose a brand that works for you.

5.) See Our Dentist Every 6 Months

We recommend you have a teeth cleaning and oral examination every 6 months to protect your oral health. During a teeth cleaning, one of our dental hygienists will be able to gently remove plaque and tartar. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by a dental professional. Left untreated, tartar buildup increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

While you have your hands full, you may be tempted to hold something in your mouth. For example, you may hold your purse strap by your teeth while carrying groceries. Not only is it unhygienic to use teeth to hold things, but it increases your risk for injury. If you were to trip, the purse strap could exert enough pressure to crack or knock out teeth.

While we’re on the subject, also avoid the temptation to remove a bottle cap, tear open an envelope, or otherwise use your teeth as tools. Your teeth will thank you!

Learn More About Healthy Habits For Your Teeth

Our dentist in Holland, MI, wants to help you maintain a healthy smile. We offer teeth cleanings, oral examinations, and other types of preventive dentistry to our patients. To request an appointment with Dr. Brenton Habecker, call Macatawa Smiles at (616) 396-7524.

This blog post has been updated.