How Can You Keep Your Teeth Healthy?

Your teeth are your first defense against harmful bacteria, preventing infections and diseases. When you eat, your teeth will help you chew your food, breaking it apart into smaller components. Chewing your food also produces saliva, which washes away leftover food debris and neutralizes the acid produced by plaque bacteria.

On the other hand, your teeth aren't able to break down everything you eat. If you have a high-sugar diet, your teeth will wear down faster and be more susceptible to decay. 

There are numerous ways to keep your teeth healthy, such as:

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Daily

If you don't brush and floss your teeth daily, you are putting your health at risk. Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth can lead to gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A diet of nutritious foods is good for your health, and that includes the health of your teeth. If you eat a lot of sugar or starch, your teeth are more likely to decay or lose their enamel. Some foods, like apples and carrots, can clean your teeth through the action of chewing.

Get Regular Dental Checkups

Seeing your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning can help protect your oral health. Your dentist is trained to spot any areas of concern and make adjustments to help keep your smile healthy. If you've received a diagnosis from your dentist, then they can work with you to develop a plan to keep your teeth healthy.

Don't Put off Visiting the Dentist

The American Dental Association recommends people visit the dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. However, your dentist may recommend that you visit more or less often, depending on the health of your teeth.

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they're embarrassed about the state of their smile. The good news is that dentists have a variety of treatment options that can help people with everything from stained teeth to missing teeth.

Avoid Bad Habits

Teeth grinding and nail biting are two of the most common bad habits we see that can cause problems with your teeth. Grinding your teeth can cause enamel erosion, which can make your teeth more sensitive. In some cases, this can cause them to break! Nail biting can also have the same effect on your enamel. Over time, nail biting can also cause your teeth to become misaligned, which will require orthodontic care.

Don't Smoke or Use Other Tobacco Products

Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco, greatly increases your risk for oral cancer and gum disease. It also stains your teeth! Smoking or using other tobacco products can stain your teeth yellow and cause them to turn brown. Over time, smoking and other tobacco use can cause your teeth to become brittle and break.

PS Dental in Tigard, Oregon, offers the best dental care services to patients. For more details and appointments, call us at (503) 574-4000, book online, or visit us at 12017 SW 70th Ave, Tigard, OR 97223.